Farm worker caught urinating on Tesco vegetable field

The farm worker was caught emptying his bladder in a field where vegetables are grown for Tesco. He was photographed by a passing member of the public, in Bennington, Lincolnshire, who highlighted that the worker was only a few metres away from the nearest toilet.

The Express reported that anonymous photographer commented: "It was disgusting. It wants stopping. We name and shame people for dropping litter in the streets. We should do the same with this idiot."

The supplier, TH Clements & Son, told The Daily Mirror that the worker had been sacked immediately, because he had failed to comply with company policy that all farm workers must use toilets.

A spokesman added: "Although he did not urinate on the crops, this does not excuse him from his actions." He added that the area of the field was unplanted at the time, and that after picking, the vegetables go through a trimming process and two quality assessment panels.

A Tesco spokesman said: 'We work closely with our suppliers to make sure all the products we sell are of the highest quality. All our vegetables go through an extensive assessment and review process before they reach our shelves. We are working with our supplier to make sure all the right processes are in place for the future."
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Is this such a big deal?

Interestingly the supplier added that urine is sterile when it leaves the body. This is true. After-all astronauts on the International Space Station actually drink purified urine.

In addition, a study ay the University of Kupipio in Finland experimented on cucumbers, cabbages and tomatoes, and found that human urine mixed with wood ash is as effective as industrial fertiliser. It's full of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which plants need to thrive. The researchers suggested that more widespread use would make agriculture and waste waster treatment more sustainable.

Of course, it would need to be washed carefully before being eaten, but this is true for all fruit and vegetables - many of which have been treated with harsh chemicals to repel bugs.

But what do you think? Is this story a sign that we wouldn't be ready for a more natural and sustainable fertiliser? Let us know in the comments.

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