Farmers voice concern over upcoming changes in EU pesticide legislation
Five weeks ahead of a crucial vote in the European Parliament (EP) on two key EU pesticide dossiers, European farmers, with the support of national crop protection associations and ECPA, are today launching the campaign – "Understand the Impact". This campaign aims to illustrate the serious consequences that new legislation can mean for farming in Europe.
During the weeks to come, Members of the European Parliament will receive postcards profiling European farmers and the effects of the proposed changes.
The EP Environment Committee's proposal to base approvals on potential hazards rather than real risks would lead to the disappearance of many substances that have long been used safely by farmers and which farmers need to protect their crops from disease. Similarly, the proposal to decrease the total quantity of used plant protection with 50 % will further reinforce these consequences.
The proposed changes will affect farmers' business and livelihoods, and ultimately threaten Europe's ability to produce everyday food items like citrus fruit, apples, tomatoes, grapes, olives, wine, to mention a few.
Farmers are worried about their future and about the future and sustainability of European agriculture. How will they be able to fight against pests with so few chemical solutions available?
Paul Dolleman, a salad crop farmer from Portugal, explains how balance is key for the environment: "In my company, 95% of our products are at zero residue level thanks to a programme of balanced pesticide use. The changes proposed by the Parliament will reduce the number and variety of pesticides available. The remaining products will be used more frequently, increasing the likelihood of resistance and forcing us to use higher doses."
Adam Falba, an onion farmer from Poland, urges MEPs to promote responsible use rather than impose a use reduction: "Changes to EU legislation could mean a reduction of up to 50% of plant protection products used in agriculture. This would result in higher production costs which would mean higher food prices. Farmers and consumers alike will suffer."
The postcard campaign will kick off profiling Philip Huxtable, a UK-based farmer who says: "Many people seem to believe that we use pesticides for the sake of it. But the reality is that they are the last line of defence in the battle against pests and diseases."
