A meeting of local residents this week brought up the issue of crop-spraying, particularly in the area around the school.
With many children (my own youngest child included) susceptible to asthma, and with attacks capable of being brought on by a reaction to the spraying of the orchards, it’s becoming an increasing concern.
It’s currently left to the discretion of local farmers as to whether or not they inform local residents when they will treating their lands with crop-spraying techniques. It would be interesting to know if this courtesy is currently being extended to our local residents…
The residents would warmly welcome any information as to the nature of the chemicals being used to treat the orchards as well; by all means contact the Forum if you are able to clarify the situation (Figgis major and minor, we look forward to hearing from you).
It’s a constantly contentious issue, as articles here and here demonstrate.
In the meantime, make sure you are aware of when the land is being treated, and make sure those susceptible to ashthma or other bronchial conditions aren’t exposed.We’ll be investigating the legalities surrounding this issue, in particular the duty of care and obligations of those executing the practice, and keep you informed. In the meantime, you can read the advice on the Health and Safety Executive website here, including the various sections on the Code of Practice here.
I am horrified by the idea that my children are breathing in chemicals when they are at school, but they eat and breathe in chemicals everywhere all the time. Halting this method of poisoning our atmosphere will not eradicate the risks to their health. I do not think that we can simply put the blame on the farmers, as long as we carry on buying cheap fruit, I don’t see how we can criticise the farmers from making a living by growing it. The most effective way to stop this is to by organic fruit! Demand and supply and all that.
The farmer should be keeping records of chemical use and should spray when weather conditions allow the spray to reach its intended target.
Anyone with concerns that this is not happening should inform HSE on 01233 653900 or log a complaint on the HSE website with a record of the date time and location.