Delays to a post-EU Exit regulatory regime for agricultural chemicals in Great Britain are adding costs for agri-supply businesses and making it harder for farmers and agronomists to plan cropping rotations because of persistent uncertainty.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) – the trade association for Crop Protection and Agronomy companies among other agricultural supply sectors – says the prolonged wait for the Government to progress and implement its pesticides regulatory regime means agri-supply businesses are facing added costs and lack the confidence to plan and invest for the future.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today programme recently, AIC’s Head of Crop Protection & Agronomy Hazel Doonan explained that since EU Exit, manufacturers of plant protection products (PPPs) now pay similar fees to access the Great Britain market as they do to access the EU market where these fees in theory can be recouped across 27 member states.
Since 1 January 2021, Great Britain has operated a pesticide regulatory regime independent of the EU. However, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and Northern Ireland Protocol, EU pesticide legislation continues to apply in Northern Ireland.
“This could mean some products become uneconomic to support in GB as the market is too small. The horticulture sector is particularly vulnerable to this,” says Ms Doonan.
“Also when the UK left the EU the renewal dates for active substances in pesticides were extended by up to three years and in April 2023 these dates were extended further by up to an additional five years to allow the regulator time to develop an active substance renewal programme.
“Meanwhile, the EU continues its assessments – either renewing or withdrawing active substances as they come around for renewal. This means the timing of renewal of active substances has diverged between the EU and GB since EU Exit.
“The delay means continued unpredictability around pesticide availability and cost. Planning crop rotations and deciding how weeds, pests and diseases can be controlled to ensure crops meet end-market requirements and produce a profitable yield is increasingly difficult for farmers and agronomists.
“So AIC is keen that the pesticide regime moves forward quickly to help the industry plan for the future.”
