BEFORE
 
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AFTER
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STEP 6 Identify Benefits
Discuss the benefits from pesticide reduction with other people involved in the process.
Many customers express concerns about the use and residues of pesticides, hence the development of this online Code of Practice. We recognise that it involves another job to do, but hope that you have learnt more about the issues and can see the benefits. These benefits may be to the environment - less pollution of land, air and water, while encouraging the development of habitats and wildlife. Other benefits may be social - better working conditions or relations with neighbours. And there may also be economic benefits - less pesticide may mean less expenditure. However there may be extra costs - eg more skilled labour. The Co-operative wishes to promote the benefits and minimise the costs, so that our customers have confidence in our food.
Examples of benefits:
Environmental
Land: Less residues in soil, particularly persitent pesticides.
Water: Less pollution of surface and groundwater.
Air: Less spray drift and vapour over neighbouring land and buildings.
Energy: Reduced consumption of oil and coal to make pesticide. Fewer passages across the land;
Reduced carbon footprint
Wildlife: Evidence of increased numbers of birds, bees and butterflies.
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Social
Better working conditions, less PPE.
Less pesticide related illness/accidents.
Better relations with neighbours.
Develop of learning/skills to reduce chemical dependence.
Improved relation with other stakeholders - including retailers and consumers.
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Economic
Reduced cost of pesticide.
Time saved with "red tape" - eg new waste regulations.
Saving on PPE/equipment.
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