Changes to the Long Term Arrangements for the Extension of Use for edible crops
Embargoed until 18 November 2004
The pesticide regulations for edible crops are facing some changes over the next 12 months with the HDC actively working alongside the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD) to ensure everything is in place in good time to enable the continued availability of crop protection products.
Under the current Long Term Arrangements for the Extension of Use (LTAEU) growers of certain named minor crops are permitted to use some pesticides if that product is authorised for use on closely related major crops. An example would be that parsnip growers can extrapolate from Label recommendations and SOLAs approved for carrot crops. This arrangement, unique within a European context, is set to end in December 2005 and the horticultural/agricultural industry need to ensure that alternative arrangements are in place.
The first stage in ensuring that growers still have access to the full armoury of chemicals is to draw up a list of crop/product combinations where the LTAEU are used. The HDC has agreed to coordinate an exercise on behalf of industry (including the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) and minor crop groups) with assistance from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and Central Science Laboratory. Cathy Knott will act as a consultant.
The exercise involves:
· Identifying and nominating specific individuals to represent minor crop group interests.
· Working with those individuals to produce a list of the crop/product combinations considered essential within each crop group.
· Take that list forward to PSD to obtain the required updated registration.
“This whole exercise is needed as EU rules require a MRL for every product and crop combination,” commented Vivian Powell, HDC Crop Protection Manager. She continued, “This is a vital exercise we are taking care of on behalf of all growers in horticulture and in association with the HGCA and NFU for agriculture too. I urge all growers to cooperate with the various specific crop coordinators we have identified as part of this exercise.”
There are a few very minor crops, namely fodder beet and mangle, salsify, cardoon and parsley root, for which we are not aware of any specific growers. If you grow these crops please contact Vivian Powell (01757 269 245) to ensure the continuity of relevant chemicals.
The overall process is due to be completed by the end of February 2005 when the HDC will then discuss with PSD how the SOLAs are issued.
Growers of ornamental crops should be aware that this consultation refers only to the extrapolation for edible crops - the extrapolation for ornamental crops will be the subject of further consultation in due course.
ENDS