Great concerns for fruit and vegetables over new pesticide legislation: EP votes in 2nd Reading on revision of Directive 91.414 (authorisations of pesticides)_13.01.2009
European Fruit and Vegetable Processing industries inside OEITFL have concerns over the compromise agreement adopted by the EP today in 2nd Reading.
Uncertainty over sufficient raw material in the future
This regulation leaves the industry with uncertainty about its ability to source locally grown vegetables when a number of indispensable pesticides that are required to grow the crops could be withdrawn.
Major Flaw: No Impact Assessment
The trialogue compromise reached between the French Council Presidency and rapporteur Hiltrud Breyer failed to include the obligation to carry out an EU-wide comprehensive assessment of the impact on agricultural production, yields, quality and availability of produce. The Commission is adamant that the impact would be minimal. However, the absence of such an assessment was one of the legislation’s major flaws in the first place, and the decision-making process should not have progressed without it.
Adoption of premature definition of endocrine disruptors
Furthermore, in the absence of a recognized scientifically sustained definition of endocrine disruptors, the adopted “interim” definition could lead to further reduction of available active substances for some important crops without any proven added gains for the environment or
public health.
No replacement substances on the horizon – research incentives needed
The uncertainty compounds a problem that already exists for “minor crops’ where far fewer plant protection products are authorised than for mainstream crops and where there is less incentive for plant protection manufacturers to introduce new products. With no indications of new substances on the horizon to replace the substances expected to be lost, it is absolutely critical that EU money will be made available for research into new active substances for minor uses.
Not all bad news
The adopted text represents a significant improvement over the Parliaments’ first reading on a number of points such as the clarification on candidates for substitution, less bureaucracy on approvals for minor uses, and at least the possibility of a new fund to promote research
into new active substances for minor uses.
A sector in favour of reducing pesticides and strengthening consumer confidence
Fruit and vegetable processors work hand-in-hand with growers to ensure that their products are safe and healthy for consumers. They actively promote Integrated Crop Management techniques to facilitate the reduction of pesticide use.
