Pesticide Concerns

A Co-operative Retail inquiry found "serious consumer concerns about the safety of food grown using pesticides, fuelled by secrecy in the food and agrochemical industries". The findings are summarised in the Co-operative publication 'Green and Pleasant Land'. The inquiry found:

Customer Opinion % people surveyed Food stores and manufacturers should tell people about pesticide residues 91% Food stores and manufacturers should tell people which pesticides are used on produce 85% Retailers should sell food where use of pesticides is minimal 45% Retailers should sell food that has not had pesticides used at all 24% % happy for retailers to sell food that comes from anywhere, regardless of which pesticides have been used 5% The Co-operative predicts that unless action is taken these factors will conspire to derail consumer confidence and once again damage the livelihoods of UK farmers.  To improve consumer and member confidence, the Co-operative set up a Pesticide Advisory Committee to work out a list of pesticides of particular concern. The committee determine which pesticides are 'Banned, Prohibited' or 'Monitored' by the Co-operative Retail Group.

When asked how concerned about pesticides, the following percentages were quite or very concerned Harmful to growing children 77% Pollute watercourses 76% Pollute generally 74% Harmful to me 73% Leave residues in food 72% Harmful to wildlife 72% Damage health of farm workers 70%

ONLINE PESTICIDE CODE OF  PRACTICE
This online Code of Practice aims to be both a learning and an audit tool. The Co-operative wants to educate and involve suppliers, growers and other stakeholders in developing ways of reducing pesticide use.
The Code sets out the steps we need to take electronically. By taking these steps you will find out about the pesticides and ways we can work to reduce their use.
You will need to recognise your role in relation to the other people involved. Different people have different roles to demonstrate good pesticide practice.
eg if you are a Co-operative packer, you will want to find out which growers are using pesticides on Banned or Prohibited lists (and ensure they have 'Permits'). Whereas if you are a grower, it is your responsibility to inform the supplier of any pesticide use that contravenes the Code.
For each of the steps, you can determine your role and responsibilities and ways to contribute.