Press release

National Pesticide Consultation launched

30 July 2012

Commenting on the consultation on a draft UK National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, launched today (Monday 30 July 2012), Friends of the Earth Nature Campaigner Sandra Bell said:

"A national pesticide action plan is urgently needed to tackle the damage these chemicals can inflict on our health and wildlife.

"But today's proposals contain no real commitment to phase-out the most harmful pesticides or help farmers find alternatives.

"Pesticide-use is increasing on crops pollinated by bees, heightening the risk to them - action to reverse this must be a priority.

"France has banned a pesticide linked to the dramatic decline in bee numbers - the UK should suspend neonicotinoids while their impact is assessed.

"Ministers must also set out plans to phase-out toxic chemicals used in our parks and schools grounds to protect children's health and boost nature in our towns and cities."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.  DEFRA: UK national action plan for the sustainable use of pesticides (plant protection products):

http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/07/30/uknap-pesticides/

2. Friends of the Earth published research in May this year by leading bee experts at the University of Reading as part of the environment charity's latest campaign, The Bee Cause. It revealed that pesticide use - measured by treated area and frequency of treatment - rose by 6.5% between 2005 and 2010 increasing the risk to crucial pollinators such as bees.  Although use varied by crop, treatment intensity rose on bee-pollinated crops such as oilseed rape and strawberries.  The report also showed the use of herbicides can destroy important sources of food for bees. please see report here.

3.  The UK Government is currently assessing recent studies on neonicotinoids - the insecticide linked to bee decline. Friends of the Earth says neonicotinoid pesticides should be suspended until their impact on bees has been determined.

4.  France bans bee-killing pesticide but it's still rife here.

5.  Use of the neonicotinoid recently banned in France (Thiamethoxam) has increased in the UK since 2008.

6.  Friends of the Earth's The Bee Cause campaign is supporting individuals to make change in their gardens and communities to help bees, and asking the Prime Minister to commit to a National Bee Action Plan. To support the call to David Cameron and find out what else you can do to help bees, visit The Bee Cause webpage www.foe.co.uk/bees

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust