New EU Legislation Out of Synch With FAO

ISSUED: 24 September 2009

FAO CALLS FOR INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION

WHILE EUROPE ADOPTS LEGISLATION THAT COULD HINDER FOOD PRODUCTIVITY

The Council of EU Ministers adopted a Regulation today which will replace Directive 91/414 governing the placing of pesticides on the market. The Regulation introduces new criteria that could remove important pesticides from the market that have been assessed as safe through comprehensive independent analysis.  The adoption occurred as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called for agricultural production to increase by 70% by 2050 to cope with a projected 40% increase in population - with improvements in yields to account for 90% of this increase.  Pesticides used in sustainable way are critical to the protection of our food supply and European agriculture already leads the world in this regard.  In Europe, 61% of potential crop losses are prevented by use of pesticides.

Dr. Friedhelm Schmider - Director General of the European Crop Protection Association – said: “There is a clear disconnect between the new legislation and the needs highlighted so urgently by the FAO. In order to meet the coming challenges of population, climate adaptation and the need to preserve biodiversity by not increasing the agricultural land base, politicians must address the reality of food production. Abandoning scientific risk assessment for a precautionary hazard principle will damage productivity by reducing our food supply’s pest and disease defences at a time of pressing need, with no demonstrable improvement in safety or health.”

In 1996 there were over 1000 products available for use in Europe; today, after successive reviews, there are about 300 with more reviews to come.  According to Dr Schmider, the remaining products are critical to achieving in a sustainable way the 70% food production called for by the FAO. “Highly restrictive regulations can jeopardise our ability to improve food production, fight pest resistance and protect the environment.  They can also be a major hindrance to further investment in innovation.  Disregarding science in authorising pesticides could lead Members States to miss major opportunities to react to future challenges.  We support policies that are aimed at a healthier environment, but they must be based on sound scientific principles and include on the balance the benefits of a healthy, affordable diet.”

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 The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) represents the crop protection industry interests at European level. Its members include all major companies and national associations across Europe. For more information: www.ecpa.eu.

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