The NFU has set out to reassure the public that farmers are not using pesticides excessively after a recent poll found 67 per cent of respondents wanted to reduce their use.
The survey, carried out on behalf of the Pesticide Action Network and campaign group SumOfUs, also showed 78 per cent of those polled would like the Government to provide more support to UK farmers to cut their pesticide use.
63 per cent of the total number of respondents wanted to retain EU regulations on pesticides after Brexit, with 57 per cent of leave voters and 77 per cent of remain voters feeling the same way.
Farming groups have raised concerns about the EU’s precautionary approach to crop protection regulation, which almost saw glyphosate banned and is expected to outlaw neonicotinoids.
NFU senior regulatory affairs adviser Dr Chris Hartfield said: “While there is huge uncertainty around implementation and transition periods, and a Brexit deal, it is reasonable to expect significant alignment between UK regulation and EU regulation on pesticides for some time.
“The NFU wants the UK to adopt a more evidence-based approach.
“In the meantime, British farmers remain committed to continued high levels of consumer and environmental protection, which they achieve by having food production standards that are among the best in the world.
“The amount of pesticides used in the UK has halved since 1990.
“Farmers continue to adopt an integrated approach to pest management which sees them use a mixture of traditional and modern farming methods to deal with problems and ensure the use of pesticides is kept to a minimum.”
Josie Cohen, head of policy and campaigns at the Pesticide Action Network, told Farmers Guardian it was clear UK citizens did not want more pesticides in their natural environment.
“Brexit is a once in a lifetime opportunity to drastically cut the amount of agrochemicals we use”, she added.
“The government should realign its support to help farmers transition to truly sustainable non-chemical alternatives, including techniques such as Integrated Pest Management.”
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