Pesticide report talks

Press, 19 May 1989, Page 5

Pesticide report talks

The emotive issue of pesticide use was discussed in closed meetings throughout Christchurch yesterday. One of the authors of the controversial pesticides report released last week, Professor David Penman, met a variety of groups to discuss its implications. Separate meetings were arranged so groups would not argue. Ministry for the Environment staff accompanied Professor Penman. In the morning they met professional agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Pest Destruction Council, noxious plants officers and Health Department staff.

They then met industry user groups such as Federated Farmers, fruit and vegetable growers and chemical manufacturers. An evening meeting was held with environmental groups such as Soil and Health and the Biological Producers Council. Today Professor Penman and his team will meet similar groups in Wellington. They have already held meetings in Auckland. Professor Penman said he had not expected such a strong reaction to the report but now the initial knee-jerk reaction had passed people had realised the report was not as dramatic as they had thought.