Minister for Water and Flooding (): On 21 March, the Government
published the UK Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP), setting
out how we will reduce the environmental risk of pesticides by
10% over the next five years.
This plan – the first to be published in a decade – sets out a
future of more sustainable pesticide use, which protects the
environment and human health, and boosts food security for the
long-term.
The NAP sets out how all four UK Governments will support
farmers, growers and other land managers to increase their use of
sustainable farming practices to reduce the potential harm from
pesticides by 10% by 2030, while controlling pests and pesticide
resistance effectively.
Pesticide resistance, climate change, and invasive species pose
significant challenges to our food security. Embracing a future
with a nature-friendly approach to pest management means a better
deal for our food producers. Sustainable pesticide use supports
healthier ecosystems where vital pollinators, such as bees, are
allowed to flourish and crop health and food production are
boosted for the long-term.
This NAP will support voluntary moves by farmers towards more
sustainable pest management through increased use of integrated
pest management (IPM) – a sustainable and holistic approach to
pest, weed and disease management, which can benefit farm
businesses as well as the environment. By using nature-based
solutions and alternative techniques, farmers can ensure
pesticide use is targeted and optimised, cutting down on input
costs and tackling pesticide resistance to support long-term
profitability and productivity.
The UK is a world leader in agri-food Research & Development.
The actions in the NAP will build on this strong foundation and
support continued growth in the sector, including by supporting
manufacturers to bring more biopesticides to market and reducing
barriers to innovation and precision application technology, such
as drones.
Finally, the NAP outlines how we will ensure regulations are
followed by targeting enforcement efforts where they are needed
most, through training, guidance and enhanced inspections and
compliance.
The publication of the NAP follows wider Government action on
pesticides. We have already committed to taking decisive action
to protect bees and other pollinators by ending the use of three
harmful neonicotinoids —clothianidin, imidacloprid, and
thiamethoxam – in England. The launch of the NAP presents another
step in promoting the sustainable use of pesticides and
protecting food security for the future.
The plan has been published by Defra and the devolved
governments. The full UK Pesticides National Action Plan can be
found here(opens in a new tab).
