Variation in pesticide hazard from arable crop production in Great Britain from 1992 to 2008: An extended time-series analysis

Efforts to assess reductions in the hazard posed by pesticides in arable systems present complex problems to policy makers both nationally and at a European level. Attempts to monitor changes in hazard rely to a large extent on the quality of the surveillance and the indices used to collate multi-faceted data. This study is an update on previous work using the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) to evaluate changes in pesticide hazard following the introduction of the European Directive 91/414/EEC. Findings from the study suggest that pesticide hazard has decreased during the study period 1992–2008 although reduction was not even across all crop types or time periods, with limited change in the past six years. This study is proposed as baseline for further monitoring of the effectiveness of the new European regulations 1107/2009 ‘the placing of plant protection products on the market’ to further reduce the impact of pesticides on non-target organisms.

► We evaluate changes in pesticide hazard for UK arable crops since 1992.
► Hazard is measured using the Environmental Impact Quotient.
► The hazard rating for wheat has increased since 2004.
► The new European Directive 1107/2009 has had a marginal impact on hazard levels.
► We provide a baseline for further monitoring of European efforts to reduce hazard.