The main group of fungicides used to protect UK and European wheat crops - the triazoles - could be outlawed under plans being proposed by the EU Agriculture Council.

The Council is currently trying to reach a common position on the controversial issue of cut-off criteria as part of the EU Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. Under the review of crop protection products legislation, large numbers of products which have been widely used for many years could be lost when the hazard-based system replaces the current risk-based system. In particular, cut-off criteria could lead to the loss of whole groups of chemicals, especially the triazoles.

NFU Vice President Paul Temple said: "These proposals could have a huge effect on wheat crops not just in the UK but across Europe. These products are safe to use and changing the rules in the way Commission is proposing, at a time when food production has never been more important, makes no sense.

"The NFU is working like no other British farming organisation can to lobby the decision makers in Europe and make sure triazoles are not abandoned. We believe the UK government is aware of the fundamental importance of this family of crop protection products and of how safe they are in practice. We are concerned that a number of other Members States are increasingly supportive of the changes to the legislation, which are due to be voted on later this month."

11:20am Friday 2nd May 2008

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