The Fifth Environmental Action Plan(1) proposes a reduction in the use of pesticides in the interests of agricultural sustainability. This clearly conflicts with current trends in maximising inputs in agriculture. The Commission has set up a project with a steering group from DGVI and DGXI, and the Netherlands Environment Ministry, to review current policy and where appropriate to develop more environmentally friendly directions. On 14-15 June, it held a workshop to establish a Framework for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products in the EU. The workshop represented a mid-point in the project, and two reports are now available, one relating to statistical information on pesticide use(2) and the other a survey of policy options(3). Project recommendations can be expected towards the end of 1995.
Reduction
The programme will aim for "significant reduction
of pesticide use per unit of land under production and conversion of farmers to
methods of integrated pest control, at least in all areas of importance for
nature conservation." The current agri-environment policy has
identified some measures, but only 1% of CAP supports non-intensive farming.
The representative of the industry body, the European Crop
Protection Association (ECPA) at the workshop, Mr. K.P. Vlahodimos, said that
programmes for reduced pesticide use would stall research, and extensive
agriculture was detrimental to the environment. Industry supports the Integrated
Crop Management approach. He contended, somewhat contentiously, that Europe had
seen no proof of adverse effects from pesticides!
Pesticide pollution
Progressive replacement of harmful pesticides is
proposed to protect ground-water. Dr R. Faasen of the Netherlands noted that on
two recent occasions abstraction of drinking water from Dutch sources was
stopped—once due to diuron from Belgian sources, and once due to isoproturon
from Holland. Dutch research shows that between 25-40% of European pesticides
used are emitted to the atmosphere.
Workshop conclusions
The session concluded that environmental
considerations have to be integrated into future EU agricultural policy. The
project will now concentrate on measures that are site or region specific as
well as general in applicability; economically and environmentally effective;
and involve all target groups.
Observations
The workshop represented an important commitment to policy liaison and public debate.
Responses to the publications should be directed to Marc Debois, DGXI/A/2.
Priorities for action should be the next step: these should include restriction of the most hazardous products (WHO Class Ia, IARC Class 2 pesticides); mandatory farmer training, certification and testing for application equipment; and training and research in alternatives.
Commission policy should be transparent—including access to decisions of Standing Committees—and coherent across divisions. (PB)