Devolution of pesticides regulation would be costly – NFUS

NFUS made the comments in response to Angus MacNeil, MP’s assertion that the Scottish Government regulate pesticides in future.

Andrew Bauer, deputy policy director of NFU Scotland said: “To create a UK system is going to be difficult enough. To create a Scottish system would be costly.

“Would we also end up with cross-border issues: would something grown in England be available in Scotland? Would pesticide manufacturers see the UK as a big enough market?”

Bauer acknowledged that devolution might allow Scotland to tackle some Scottish-specific problems eg leatherjackets, which can no longer be treated with Chlorpyrifos after it was withdrawn in 2016 following an EU review.

However, Scotland is already well-represented on the UK government expert committee on pesticides, Bauer said, with extra perspective provided by the James Hutton Institute and SRUC.

Angus MacNeil disputed the UK government’s response to his parliamentary question on the matter. DEFRA minister George Eustice said that the current EU regulatory regime “creates a consistent approach across the UK, but allows for the UK Government and devolved administrations to make some different choices on implementation”.

Mr MacNeil said: “The reality is that these things should be in Scotland – that is the main reason. We are probably looking to stay much in line with what the EU does because Scotland is looking at regaining membership of the EU, which, given the current climate might not be as far away as we imagine.”

“If we leave that at Westminster who knows – the way the rest of the UK is going is downwards in standards. Moving in tandem with the EU is the best decision for us all.

“Given the current climate that might not be as far away as we imagine.”