Written question WQ82950

I am unable to answer the question directly as the point made is not a recommendation within the CCRA3 or Wales summary report.

However, I welcome the CCC’s Climate Risk Independent Assessment (CCRA3) and the recommendation in the Wales Summary Report endorsing a stronger emphasis on Integrated Pest Management rather than over-reliance on chemical controls, as pesticide resistance is an increasing problem.

To tackle this issue we must limit dependency on chemical pesticides, reducing unnecessary use, risks of adverse impacts of pesticide exposure to people and the environment, and the development of pesticide resistance. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches aim to do this and are therefore central to our ambition.

The recent consultation on a revised UK National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides aims to increase uptake of sustainable use and IPM, in line with the Welsh Government’s Natural Resources Policy. It also commits to further developing scientific research over the next 5 years, including on pesticide resistance.

IPM will be an important part of our proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme and our Action Plan for Pollinators and Bee Friendly scheme both promote IPM approaches, advocating a reduction or avoidance of chemical control where possible.

An all-Wales virtual event aimed at Local Authorities and other amenity operatives, took place this week, which reinforced messages around the importance of IPM practices, minimising pesticide use and using non-chemical alternatives.

We have also provided nearly £1m of funding to support Dwr Cymru Welsh Water’s PestSmart project to drive behavioural change and encourage people to consider ‘smarter’ ways of storing, using and disposing of pesticides that do not impact on people, water or wildlife.