Quick steps needed: Council of States wants to tackle invasive pests

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The Council of States approved a motion by Peter Hegglin (Centre/ZG) on Tuesday with 30 votes against, 5 and 7 abstentions. If the National Council also says yes to the initiative, the Federal Council must take action.

To date, there is no effective treatment method against cherry vinegar flies, which make cherries inedible, and the situation is catastrophic, Hegglin claimed. A species of parasitic wasp that can harm flies is only allowed in the cantons of Jura and Ticino.

The situation is similar to the Asian hornet, which builds its nests in treetops, Hegglin explains. Insecticides against this species are only allowed in cultivated areas, but are prohibited in forests. This leads to many people using the chemical illegally, Hegglin said, calling for an exception.

The Federal Council rejects the motion, even though it supports the cause. The revised agricultural law already provides him with tools to combat pests, Environment Minister Albert Rösti said in the council.

However, the required immediate approval of treatment methods is not possible because it requires exceptional approvals and regulatory changes, says Rösti. He would like to request that the motion be amended in this sense in the National Council.

(SDA)

Source:Blick