Issue - meetings

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

33.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

33.2     RESOLVED to recommend the County Council to (1) reject the Notice of Motion from Councillor St Pierre because there is inconclusive evidence on the use of neonicotinoids to agree a Policy stance; and

(2) agree an amended Notice of Motion to read:

“The County Council recognises the divided opinion on the use of neonicotinoids. The County Council does not use neonicotinoids on its own land. Taking into account the precautionary approach in this case, the County Council will review, at the appropriate time, farm business tenancy agreements to ensure that no pesticides that are banned by either the UK Government or the European Commission are used on any part of the smallholding.”

Reasons

33.3     The importance of a healthy bee population for agriculture and the environment is recognised by the County Council. Evidence is divided on the use of neonicotinoids. However, they are not used on County Council land. Farm business tenancy agreements always contain a clause preventing the use of pesticides banned by the UK Government on any holding and changes could be introduced to ensure the same for pesticides banned by the European Commission.