On Tuesday the Environment Committee adopted its position on measures to ensure sustainable pesticides use and reduce the use and risk of all chemical pesticides by at least 50 % by 2030.In the text adopted with 47 votes to 37 and 2 abstentions, MEPs say that by 2030, the EU must reduce the use and risk of chemical plant protection products by at least 50% and the use of so-called "more hazardous products" by 65%, compared to the 2013-2017 average. The Commission proposed a 50% target for both based on the 2015-2017 average. MEPs want each member state to adopt national targets and strategies, based on the substances sold per year, their hazard level and the size of their agricultural area.

Brussels

statement

vote

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

use of pesticides and herbicides (T)

WIENER, Sarah (Greens/EFA, AT)

Delivery EE2024 (T)

Sustainable use of pesticides: extracts from the vote and statement by Sarah WIENER (Greens/EFA, AT), Rapporteur

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/72931695/1698153186892_I248117Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (German), Sarah WIENER (Greens/EFA, AT), Rapporteur, <p>The main goals were, of course, to reduce pesticides, which we urgently need, especially due to climate extremes, due to the loss of biodiversity, but also to maintain healthy soils and, of course, also to think of our pollinators, because it is important for food security. That is why the draft now includes a 50% reduction in chemical pesticides and 65% of the reduction in hazardous pesticides, which belong to the group of so-called substitution candidates. So these are pesticides that should have been removed a long time ago because they are just too dangerous. </p>

SOUNDBITE (German), Sarah WIENER (Greens/EFA, AT), Rapporteur, At the same time, however, there should also be a mandatory reduction target for each member state, i.e. each member state for a specific year, depending on consumption. Whether they have reduced less than the average in the EU or have perhaps reduced more, then, in contrast to the Commission, they do not have to start with a 35% reduction, but as early as 15%. This means that this takes into account the fact that there are countries that use far fewer pesticides than others and so-called front runners, which have already reduced a great deal in recent years. And that should be rewarded.

SOUNDBITE (German), Sarah WIENER (Greens/EFA, AT), Rapporteur, The most important point was to maintain the goals of the Commission, because there was a tough attack from right to far-right to water down all targets and all annual figures. Nothing should simply be mandatory. The year and target should also be extended from 2030 to 2035. And it was important to then maintain these goals, which are so important. Otherwise, you could also save yourself the search. At the same time, we have tried to improve a few things, such as protection for hospitals, kindergartens, schools, open parks. This buffer zone, which was extended from 3 to 5 meters away from sprays. A ridiculous 5 meters, so 2 meters more. And that was a very, very tough fight. And unfortunately, many were not prepared not to go even to 5 meters, but we found a majority and I hope that at least this small recognition will be given to people who also have immune diseases or kindergarten children will then have a bit more protection than before.  <p></p>