§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the use of slug pellets prevents the designation of a lettuce farm as organic. [159261]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 27 April 2001]: EU standards for organic production contained in Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 permit the use of slug pellets based on metaldehyde. But they may be used only in traps and the formulation must contain a repellent to prevent them from being taken by higher animal species. Subject to review, authorisation for the use of this material expires on 31 March 2002.
However, the private sector bodies that certify individual organic farmers may apply standards stricter than the EU standards if they wish and at least one does not permit the use of slug pellets.