UK national action plan for pesticides consultation launched

The plan, including information on how to respond, which can be found at consult.defra.gov.uk/pesticides-future-strategy/sustainable-use-of-pesticides-national-action-plan/supporting_documents/NAPConsultationDocument.pdf, covers the next five years.

Defra says the plan aims to minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment, while ensuring pests and pesticide resistance are managed effectively.

The existing National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (the 2013 NAP) was adopted under the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012. www.gov.uk/government/publications/pesticides-uk-national-action-plan

Defra says the revised NAP draft aims to increase uptake of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable crop protection. It says IPM could form part of the Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs).

The revised NAP draft is said to be in line with Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan, the Welsh Minister’s Natural Resources Policy, the Environment Strategy for Scotland, and the goals of the Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland to protect and enhance the environment for future generations.

The NAP will be delivered in support of Government targets across the UK on biodiversity and carbon net zero. Defra and the Devolved Administrations say they want to further consider the views of pesticide users, pesticide related industries (including food retail and manufacture), environmental and public health groups, and the general public in an effort to move forward together on issues surrounding pesticides.

Consultation responses must be submitted by 23.59 on February 26, 2021