Pesticides blow to farmers
The vote by the European Parliament to tighten rules on pesticide use (your report, 14 January) will have a heavy impact on a farming sector that is under severe pressure, seriously threatening food production and driving up prices. This also comes just as consumers are looking down the barrel of a nasty recession and concern over world food shortages is growing.
There has been a lack of sound science behind some elements of the plans, and while we must have safer pesticides that are used responsibly, banning products that are safe when used correctly will add to already volatile food prices and lead to food shortages. .
A more flexible package must be developed by the European Commission and national governments when it comes to discussion over the implementation of these measures, and a full impact assessment of the proposed changes undertaken.
ALEX ORR
Bryson Road
Edinburgh
Email to a friend
Print this page- Broken Rangers: Club signals intention to go into administration
- Scottish independence: David Cameron set to snub Alex Salmond’s separation talks bid
- Rangers blame HMRC for driving club to brink of administration
- Six Nations: Steadman given notice as ruthless Robinson seeks to strengthen team
- Six Nations: Wales 27-13 Scotland: Second-half scoring blitz stuns Scots
- Scottish independence: David Cameron set to snub Alex Salmond’s separation talks bid
- Scottish independence: No breakthrough in talks between Alex Salmond and Michael Moore
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Jim Murphy warns that independence could cost ‘thousands’ of defence jobs
- Alex Salmond claims Scottish independence would be good for English regions
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
