Pesticide tax needed to tackle pollution 26 November 2002
The need for a pesticide tax grew following a recent report showing that voluntary measures intended to reduce pesticide use are having "little impact" on tackling pollution. The Environmental Audit Committee report reviewed progress on the initiative established by Government in October last year, concluding that the voluntary initiative does not give sufficient incentives to ensure the high level of take-up required - there is little emphasis on reducing the use of pesticides and encouraging alternative approaches. The Government must develop and publish a pesticides strategy, including the use of fiscal instruments and a strong regulatory framework.
Britain was also criticised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in its Environmental Performance Review (25 November 2002) for using twice as much pesticide as other similar countries, leading to the pollution of rivers and canals and a reduction in water quality.
Friends of the Earth believes a pesticide tax should be introduced in next year's budget. A reinvestment package must also be established so that money from the tax can be channelled back into helping farmers find safe alternatives. Environment Minister Michael Meacher today told a conference that he believed a pesticide tax could be a useful tool if combined with other measures.
"The Environmental Audit Committee report is very timely. It is clear that the voluntary initiative is not working. It is time the Government looked to a pesticide tax to have a real impact on cutting pesticide pollution. But the money raised must be used to support British farmers in finding safe alternatives to chemical pesticides. This would be good news for the environment and good news for consumers," said Friends of the Earth Pesticides Campaigner Sandra Bell.
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