Unpredictable future for plant health in Europe

By Carlos Palomar, CEO of AEPLA

Impotence is the feeling that every day invades the European farmer. The Community legislation to which they are subject threatens to leave them without the tools they need to protect their crops, ie without the innovative and efficient products that protect plants from pests, diseases and weeds. These products are essential elements of the farmer’s toolbox.

Before the debate on whether or not European farmers should use phytosanitary products, we should answer simple questions: “With or without?” Are the opinions of society about phytosanitary products based on scientific evidence or emotions? The legislator? Do the authorities take into account all the information to make their decisions? Are they based on data or intuitions?

The phytosanitary industry is aware of the concern that exists among the consumers in relation to the products that it develops. There is a great lack of knowledge on the part of our society on the operation of the agro-alimentary industry in general and the necessity of the phytosanitary ones for their viability in particular.

The current agricultural model, based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), mandatory training to handle phytosanitary products and the use of certified consultants, makes the use of plant protection products efficient and safe

The recent “Low Yield” study of legislative impact and cumulative loss of phytosanitary active substances, carried out by ECPA, the European Crop Protection Association, published in July 2016, was carried out in 9 Member States on 31 crops among Which is Spain, emphasizes that without phytosanitary agricultural production would be reduced up to 40%.

Among the main conclusions, it points to the constant and growing pressure that the current legislative framework exerts on agriculture in Europe. The lack of active substances complicates the necessary alternation of phytosanitary solutions, as with medicines, which would add an added problem to the loss of productivity, the appearance of resistance.

Decisions taken today by Authorities can have an immediate and significant impact on our food supply, and therefore on the ability of future generations to access in a safe, healthy, affordable and sustainable way those

We must allow our farmers to produce more food in an increasingly efficient way, using less soil and less natural resources. Politicians, industry and society need to work together to develop integrated and sustainable solutions. And to achieve these goals, technology, science and research are key.

Cumulative impact of hazard-based legislation on crop protection products in Europe (2016)

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