Throughout the history of pesticides use unforeseen problems related to their use have occurred. Pesticides appeared as a practical and useful means within the process of industrialisation until the middle of the 20th century, when they proved to be double-edged. Already in 1962 Rachel Carson warned in her book “Silent spring”, on the basis of extensive evidence, that pesticides used in agricultural production can have substantial side effects.1 As an American biologist who was highly committed, she gave rise to reflection on and discussions about this issue and also brought about lawsuits, which led to the establishment of pesticide regulations. In the early 1970s the earliest prohibitions of pesticides became effective. Subsequently the legislation pertaining to pesticides and their use was extended and strengthened. Analytical instruments and techniques for recognising the undesirable “side effects” or changes in the state of the environment were improved, and the valuation of soil, water and air also changed. Incidents of human poisoning and pollution of the environment with pesticides were documented, which resulted in the withdrawal of certain substances from the market or the restriction of their use, the introduction of new substances and the prohibition of a number of further substances.
Something that still applies today is that, in general, those pesticides that were introduced more recently are said to be less harmful than the older pesticides. However, both former events and current research have regularly shown that after some time of independent research (which is not widespread) of the new pesticides harmful effects are found. These findings may be viewed as the result of a gradual improvement in our ability to recognise the effects caused by pesticides. On the basis of current knowledge it must be concluded that in future it will be necessary to apply the precautionary principle. In chemicals policies this principle has been integrated but it has not been systematically applied in the area of crop protection until now. One of the direct consequences of a precautionary approach is the substitution of toxic pesticides through less hazardous alternatives. Most importantly, however, such an approach favours methods for preventing the establishment of pest organisms more than measures for controlling pests. To bring this about requires changing the system of crop cultivation and the way in which agricultural produce is traded and consumed. What we need therefore is an effective programme for the reduction of pesticide use.
The issue of pesticide use reduction in Germany is discussed from different angles in this publication. It was compiled within a project of PAN Germany that presents contributions on pesticide use reduction in Germany and refers to the 'German reduction programme in crop protection' that began in 2005. PAN Germany aims to contribute in a constructive way to this programme by giving information about the positive outcome and shortcomings of the programme. A webpage has been posted on the internet that shows the progress made by the German reduction programme in crop protection. The progress is visualised by indicators based on specific criteria. The website is accessible at http://www.pestizidreduktion.de.
It is our hope to provide insights, ideas and options for action to everyone interested in strengthening sustainable systems of plant production, sustainable methods of crop protection, and in strengthening sustainable patterns of distribution and consumption of agricultural produce in particular. We hope to provide interesting findings that show why a pesticide use reduction programme is important and may help you with supporting pesticide use reduction in Germany or elsewhere.