Significant delays to a post-Brexit regulatory regime for agrochemicals is adding costs and uncertainty to farms and agri-supply businesses.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) warned that the prolonged wait for the UK government to implement a new pesticides regulatory framework for Great Britain is also making it harder for farmers and agronomists to plan cropping rotations.

AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy Hazel Doonan said: “The delay means continued unpredictability around pesticide availability and cost.”

See also: How biologicals and new approaches are changing pesticide use

Since 1 January 2021, Great Britain has operated a pesticide regulatory regime independent of the EU.

However, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement and Northern Ireland Protocol, EU pesticide legislation continues to apply in Northern Ireland.

Ms Doonan fears some plant protection products could become uneconomic to support in GB as the market is too small.

“The horticulture sector is particularly vulnerable to this,” she added.

When the UK left the EU, the renewal dates for active substances in pesticides were extended by up to three years.

In April 2023, these dates were extended further by up to an additional five years to allow the regulator time to develop an active substance renewal programme.

“The EU continues its assessments – either renewing or withdrawing active substances as they come around for renewal,” explained Ms Doonan.

“This means the timing of renewal of active substances has diverged between the EU and GB, since EU Exit.

“This will increase costs for manufacturers and, together, the increase of fees for active substance approval means we don’t know if manufacturers will support their products when the active substance renewal programme is developed.”

Further delays expected

The UK government has repeatedly delayed the publication of a GB pesticide regime, most recently due to the general election called for 4 July 2024.

The AIC, the trade organisation which represents the agri-supply industry, fears it will be delayed further, especially if a new government chooses to review the plan.