Science, Innovation and Technology Committee takes evidence on contrasting approaches to insect, pest and crop management in inquiry on UK food security
Though difficult to quantify, recent research suggests that in the UK flying insects have declined by an alarming 60% in the past 20 years. Insects provide a pivotal role in UK food security, notably in pollinating food crops but also in pest and weed regulation, and such a significant decline could have potentially catastrophic effects. There are also concerns that pest species may be increasing, which could also have negative impacts on crop yields.
Meeting details
In evidence to the Committee in July, renowned naturalist, conservationist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham described the farming practices at Cholderton Estate as “a functional farm producing a profit in a modern world, and yet its biodiversity is better than the Site of Special Scientific Interest next door... if you were to go there and look at [that] organic regenerative farming, you would see that the farmed landscape can be changed”.
On October 18 Henry Edmunds, who runs the Cholderton Estate farm, will give evidence to the Committee followed by the approaches to farming, crop and insect management that will be described by President of the National Farmers Union Minette Batters.
The Committee will also question academic experts on the body of evidence on the impact of insecticides on non-target species, and the potential sustainable use of or alternatives to conventional insecticides.