The labelling of horticultural products containing peat

12.10.2010

Question for written answer E-8636/2010
to the Commission
Rule 117
Linda McAvan (S&D)

Lowland peat bogs are one of the EU’s most effective carbon sinks. Even though peat bogs cover only 3 % of the world’s land, they are estimated to hold about twice as much carbon as the planet’s forests.

The commercial extraction of peat to use as an ingredient in garden compost damages peat bogs, causing them to lose the carbon they have accumulated over thousands of years. In the UK alone, commercial peat extraction gives rise to almost half a million tonnes of CO₂ a year — equivalent to the emissions from 72 000 homes. The UK’s total peat use, including imported peat, could be responsible for up to 1 million tonnes of CO₂.

Once the peat has been extracted from the bog, it is exposed to oxygen in the air, and the carbon stored in the peat decomposes into CO₂. However, more importantly, the extraction process also removes the top, ‘living layer’ of the bog, which sequesters carbon from the atmosphere. In addition, carbon is lost from the remaining peat underneath the exposed, drained surface.

Currently, the use of peat in horticultural products such as composts and growing media is regulated at national level, and there is significant variation in terms of labelling requirements. As a result, it is difficult for consumers to ascertain the peat content of the compost they are buying.

Does the Commission have the competence to propose compulsory labelling of the peat content of horticultural products across the EU, so that consumers can make informed choices about the carbon footprint of the products they buy?

If so, would the Commission consider bringing forward proposals?

OJ C 249 E, 26/08/2011