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British farmers are facing challenges as a result of relaxed pesticide standards on imports, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK). The campaign group found that safety limits on pesticide residues for a variety of produce have been lowered in Great Britain over the past two years, affecting key staples like fruits, vegetables, coffee, and grains. This change came after the Conservative UK government decided to align with international standards for maximum residue levels (MRLs) in 2022, potentially giving foreign producers a cost advantage by using pesticides that are not permitted in UK agriculture.
PAN UK’s analysis highlighted that 15 of the affected pesticides are classified as “Highly Hazardous Pesticides”, with risks to human health and the environment. The group’s policy officer, Nick Mole, emphasized the importance of protecting British farmers from being undercut in trade deals, such as the proposed UK-India agreement.
On the other hand, CropLife UK, representing the crop solutions sector, stated that the stringent safety standards maintained by UK and European regulatory bodies have not changed. Chief executive Dave Bench clarified that maximum residue levels are trade levels set to reflect farming practices in the producing country and are well within safety standards.
A spokesperson from Defra reassured that decisions on MRLs are made after thorough risk assessments to ensure public safety. The government is committed to banning bee-killing pesticides and promoting integrated pest management to minimize risks associated with pesticide use.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.
