Facts & Figures

DID YOU KNOW - that pesticides are used by farmers, growers, landscapers, local authorities and gardeners to stop crops, ornamental plants and sports/amenity areas from being damaged by pests, diseases and weeds.

Facts & Figures

15% is the reduction in pesticides used in the UK in the last 10 years. (Agriculture in the United Kingdom, Defra, 2007)

50% of fruit and vegetables could be lost in transportation and storage if pesticides were not used. (Commission on Life Sciences (2000).2:"Benefits, Costs and Contemporary Use Patterns" in The Future Role of Pesticides in US Agriculture (pp33-101). Washington: National Academy Press).

75% increases in production costs could result if pesticides were not used. (estimates by Fernandez-Cornejo et al (1998) in "Issues in the Economics of Pesticide Use in Agriculture: A Review of the Empirical Evidence". Review of Agricultural Economics 20(2):462-488).

80% of arable land is now covered by the Voluntary Initiative - adopting best practice for the benefit of the environment.

96% of UK farmland is managed conventionally. (Organic Statistics, Defra, June 2006)

65% - 200% extra land is required for organic production due to the lower yields and fertility building requirement. (Williams, AG, Audsley, E and Sandars, DL (2006) Determining the environmental burdens and resource use in the production of agricultural and horticultural commodities. Main Report. Defra Research project IS0205. Bedford: Cranfield University and Defra).

Human fertility: There is no consistent evidence to connect pesticide products with human fertility problems. Pesticide products are only approved by Government regulators if they are satisfied that the health of consumers, users and the environment are fully protected.

Parkinson's disease: A substantial number of studies have been conducted on pesticide exposure and Parkinson's Disease. At present, there is no consistent evidence of any association.

Slug pellets: There is no scientific evidence that the proper use of slug pellets in domestic gardens has any adverse effect on wild mammals or birds. Scientific research shows that the active ingredient in the pellets, when eaten by the slug, degrades very quickly and is not therefore consumed by mammals or birds who subsequently feed on the slugs themselves.

Pesticide poisoning: Acute pesticide poisonings account for less than 1 to 4% of occupational injuries and ill-health in agricultural workers worldwide (Litchfield et al: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 1999:6). But one fatality is one too many, so we devote significant resources to working with governments, regulators and other trade associations to educate farmers worldwide on how to use our products safely and responsibly.

Developing countries: To date, industry initiatives have trained some 3 million people, through measures such as practical field schools and mobile training units. It is, however, ultimately the responsibility of the governments and regulatory agencies in these countries to ensure that the high standards that we promote are enforced at farm level.

Wash or peel: The Food Standards Agency says that you don't need to wash or peel fruit and vegetables in the UK because of pesticide residues. But it's a good idea to wash them to ensure that they are clean. (FSA website: www.food.gov.uk)

Cotton: Cotton clothing does not contain pesticide residues. Residues, if they occur, are found only in the cotton seed and not in the fibre. (Graham Matthews, Professor of Pest Management, Imperial College, London).