European Union votes to ban toxic farm pesticides

The European Union has voted to ban toxic farm pesticides earlier this week.  This move tightens the use of pesticides in agriculture and prohibits the use of 22 chemicals.

The legislation aims to control crop spraying especially in areas near schools and hospitals.  The ban also aims to curb the use of toxic chemicals, some of them said to be carcinogenic.

Critics of the act say that worsening economic conditions and the current recession will push food prices up.  Farming lobbyists warn the public that the move will make winter harvest vegetables scarce and could wipe out British carrots. The National Farmers Union and the Soil Association argue that these pesticides are needed to maintain crop yield which will threaten food production and availability.

Environment friendly groups however, welcomed the legislation saying that the move will protect not only the environment but also heath.  Pesticide ban especially those considered harmful to the environment and detrimental to human health are a welcome respite for health conscious and pro-environment groups.  The ban they say will help the soil and environment recover after years of treatment.

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