National action plan on pesticides launched in the UK

A new pesticides action plan has been launched in the UK to reduce environmental risk from pesticides by 10% in the next five years. Set out by the four UK governments, the National Action Plan on Pesticides (NAP) details ways to increase the use of “nature friendly techniques” by farmers and growers, reducing the potential harm from the use of pesticides by 10% by 2030. It also envisions the creation of clear targets and measures to monitor the use of pesticides, support the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and strengthen compliance and good practice. Progress toward the 10% by 2030 target will be assessed using a Pesticide Load Indicator that measures the impact of pesticides across 20 different indicators. Over ₤100 million have been committed to industry-led research and development in agriculture and horticulture. Support will also be provided to manufacturers to bring more biopesticides to the market and increase access to precision application technology such as drones.
Through the NAP, the UK governments hope to prompt changes in pesticide usage to limit the risk of pesticide resistance, which is seen as a significant challenge to UK food security with climate change and invasive species. Environment minister Emma Hardy said the scheme aims “to protect the environment while supporting productivity and economic growth.” Wales’ deputy minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, also said the Welsh government will take direct action to stop and reverse nature loss in cooperation with “parks, gardens and home gardeners.”