Adoption of Biological Pesticides in the UK
October 10, 2008| |
A new study, funded by the British Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), looks at why there is currently little use of biological alternatives to chemical pesticides in the United Kingdom. Adoption of biocontrol agents to combat plant pests and diseases presents several advantages over the use of chemicals, the scientists say, albeit most biological pesticides have lower effectiveness and a shorter shelf life.
The study says that because the regulatory system in the UK was developed with chemical pesticides in mind, it does not encourage the development of biopesticides. In addition, the researchers pinpointed a lack of mutual recognition between European Union member states as a key reason why the United States has a much higher rate of biopesticide use. This makes it hard for the small companies - often start-ups - that usually develop biopesticides to obtain economies of scale.
Read the article at http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2008/october/biopesticides.aspx?ComponentId=28345&SourcePageId=20654 for more information.
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