The European Commission will present a proposal for a new Pesticide Reduction Regulation on 23 March 2022. That will be the start of a discussion with the European Parliament and the member states. It will lead to important discussions in all EU countries that should not be dominated by the lobbyists for the industrial farming model. This discussion will have a profound effect on our health, nature, clean water, healthy soils and the path towards a more resilient agriculture. The regulation - once agreed on - will replace the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive that has been in place since 2009. This directive gave a clear path away from pesticides. It explains that non-chemical alternatives should be given priority and that synthetic pesticides should be used only as a last resort. It also aimed to phase out the most toxic pesticides. However, the regulation was hardly implemented by EU member states and not much changed in the use of pesticides. The new regulation could be a step forward if it would clearly address the key issues. In this position paper we highlight 10 important action points that need to be included to make it a success and help to improve food security, restore biodiversity and protect our health and environment.
In the frame of the revision of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, PAN Europe advocates for:
- A regulation rather than a directive.
- A change in title: the Pesticide reduction regulation.
- A change in paradigm: synthetic pesticides should become the exception rather than the norm.
- A clear definition of what Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is…and is not!
- High-level IPM rules to become mandatory to receive CAP subsidies.
- Including environmental indicators in the 50% reduction objective from the Commission.
- Phasing out 100% of the more toxic pesticides by 2030, not just 50%.
- Phasing out pesticide residues in food.
- Banning synthetic pesticides in public spaces and for private use.
- Including the food chain in the process.