The Government's delay in bringing forward its national pesticides strategy indicates the sustainable use of pesticides has not been given the priority it deserves, claim an all-party committee of MPs.
The warning from the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, follows a decision by Ministers in 2001 to pursue plans to cut the adverse environmental impacts of pesticide use through a partnership approach - the Voluntary Initiative - rather than impose a tax on them.
The Voluntary Initiative is a package of measures developed by the agricultural and agrochemical industries, focusing on training, research and the communication of best practice in the use of pesticides.
The MPs, who looked at the issue, said: "We consider that the Government should now make significant progress with its strategic approach to the sustainable use of pesticides and show a clear commitment to prioritise pesticides issues. The potential effects of pesticides on human health, together with the public concern surrounding this issue, make it even more important that the national pesticides strategy be developed and implemented." A new series of guided walks for some of the most beautiful parts of Herefordshire have been published.
Five new trail guides for Hampton Bishop, Ross-on-Wye, Queenswood and Bodenham, Woolhope Dome and Wye Gorge have been launched by the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust.
The new trail guides can be purchased from the trust on 01905 855 184.
