The European Commission Communication "Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides" recommends, among other measures, to develop elements to improve (...) better control of the use and distribution of pesticides. We are aware that the Commission is currently developing a Directive on pesticide use statistics and that your agency is involved in the discussion.
PAN Europe believes that detailed pesticide use data are an essential tool for the evaluation of trends in pesticide use and the protection of human health and the environment. Already in 2002 and 2003 we conducted EU funded research on how pesticide use data can be utilised and what would be needed to implement an effective pesticide use reporting system in Europe. Both reports are enclosed to your attention.