Euro Coop Joins Call for Strong EU Pesticide Regulation

Euro Coop calls the ENVI committee in the European Parliament to prioritise agroecology and pave the way for pesticide-free farming, restoring ecosystems, enhancing resilience, and tackling climate and biodiversity crises.

On October 24th, the members of the ENVI committee in the European Parliament will undertake a critical vote that could shape the future of pesticide regulation in the European Union. This vote pertains to the EU Pesticide Regulation (SUR), a crucial component of the European Green Deal’s food, farming, and biodiversity policy package. The SUR's ultimate aim is to reduce pesticide use and associated risks by 50% by the year 2030. Furthermore, it represents a significant departure from past regulations, as it could introduce legally binding targets for pesticide reduction at both European and national levels.

However, the EU Pesticide Regulation is currently under siege by intensive lobbying efforts from major agribusinesses seeking to dilute the proposed measures and render its targets non-binding. In response to this pressing challenge, Euro Coop together with more than 75 organizations have united to call on EU Member States and Members of the European Parliament to support and adopt a robust Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation without further delay.

The call for a strong SUR is urgent, as it has far-reaching implications for safeguarding the health of farmers, farmworkers, and citizens, addressing the biodiversity crisis, reducing the pollution of aquatic and other ecosystems, and supporting the necessary shift towards resilient food systems. The need to significantly reduce pesticide use has received strong support from the scientific community and resonates with the desires of EU citizens.

Result from a recent IPSOS poll and PAN Europe report underscores the widespread public concern regarding pesticide use. A striking 82% of respondents expressed apprehension about the environmental impact of pesticide use, while 76% voiced concerns regarding the potential health implications. Additionally, a substantial 73% of respondents favored the mandatory implementation of Integrated Pest Management rules and called for the establishment of large buffer zones around pesticide application areas. A resounding 85% supported the application of the precautionary principle in pesticide authorizations, highlighting the desire for a cautious and preventive approach. These findings reflect a clear public mandate for more stringent pesticide control measures in the European Union.

For the SUR to be effective in promoting health and environmental protection, the undersigned organizations put forth ten priority demands. These demands encompass a comprehensive approach to pesticide regulation, aiming to strike a balance between agricultural needs and environmental concerns.

The coming vote on the EU Pesticide Regulation (SUR) is pivotal for the future of pesticide management in Europe. As Euro Coop and numerous other organizations unite their voices in support of a robust SUR, it is a crucial moment for the European Parliament to heed the call for stricter pesticide regulation. By doing so, they can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future in European agriculture.