Brexit: Non-chemical Farming Methods Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Earl Cathcart
Main Page: Earl Cathcart (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Earl Cathcart's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(7 years ago)
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Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Again, my Lords, the regulations are strong, as it is essential that there is no harm to people or the environment. One thing we are working on in our 25-year environment plan, which is all about enhancing the environment, is the importance of soil health and fertility. It is very important that pesticides are used sustainably and that, wherever possible, we can reduce their use.
Earl Cathcart (Con)
My Lords, as a farmer, can I ask the Minister whether he agrees that 25% to 75% of crops, depending on the crop, might be lost if no pesticides were used? Presumably, the alternative is to go for 100% GM crops.
Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My Lords, on the issue of yields, the use of pesticides is precisely to protect crops and grassland. Obviously, we need to use them carefully and have them well regulated. Without pesticides, undoubtedly yields would be reduced. The most important thing is that there is active co-operation on this now: 4.4 million hectares of land are involved in the voluntary initiative and the integrated pest management situation. All of that is strong news.