EU Lawmakers have rejected a proposal aiming to reduce the use of pesticides within the bloc by 50% by 2030, as reported by Reuters on November 23. The European Parliament, after months-long negotiations on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation (SUR), scrapped the law with 299 votes against, 207 in favor, and 121 abstentions. Opponents argue that stringent pesticide controls could imperil food production, elevate food prices, and lead to farmers leaving their businesses. Environmentalists and advocates for pesticide regulation expressed their disappointment, underscoring the potential threats to farmers’ well-being and biodiversity.

The European Commission proposed the SUR In June 2022 to limit the environmental footprint of the EU’s food system. The SUR entails a mandated reduction of agricultural pesticide use by a minimum of 50% within the bloc by 2030, along with at least a 65% reduction in the use of hazardous agricultural pesticides. Additionally, the proposal includes a prohibition on all pesticide applications in areas such as public parks, playgrounds, and schools. The recent parliamentary vote signifies an end to the pesticide legislation and represents another major setback for the European Green Deal, which positioned the SUR as a pivotal component in promoting organic farming.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-parliament-scraps-pesticides-bill-latest-setback-green-legislation-2023-11-22/

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20231117IPR12215/no-majority-in-parliament-for-legislation-to-curb-use-of-pesticides

https://www.ft.com/content/1c99ddbe-531a-488c-9aa1-d06e431c105c

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/eu-commission-renew-glyphosate-authorisation-10-years-2023-11-16/