MEPs Advocate for Drastic Reduction in Chemical Pesticide Use by 2030

Key Takeaways

1. MEPs have voted to reduce the use and risk of chemical plant protection products by at least 50% by 2030.
2. A 65% reduction is proposed for more hazardous products compared to the 2013-2017 average.
3. Member states are urged to adopt national targets and strategies, which the Commission will verify for alignment with EU 2030 targets.
4. A ban on chemical pesticides is proposed for sensitive areas, including urban green spaces and Natura 2000 areas.
5. The Commission must examine pesticide use on imported agricultural products by December 2025 and propose measures to align them with EU standards.

The European Parliament has adopted a text with 47 votes to 37 and 2 abstentions, calling for a significant reduction in chemical pesticides by 2030. The text outlines that the European Union (EU) must reduce the use and risk of chemical plant protection products by at least 50% and use more hazardous products by 65% compared to the 2013-2017 average.

National Targets and Strategies

MEPs are urging 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. The European Commission will verify whether these national targets align with the EU’s 2030 goals.

Crop-Specific Rules

To maximize the impact of national strategies, member states must also implement crop-specific rules for at least those five crops where a reduction in chemical pesticides would have the most significant impact.

Ban in Sensitive Areas

MEPs propose to ban chemical pesticides in sensitive areas, except those authorized for organic farming and biological control. This includes all urban green spaces, parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, public paths, and Natura 2000 areas.

Integrated Pest Management

The text emphasizes that chemical pesticides should only be used as a last resort, as Integrated Pest Management outlines. MEPs also call for the Commission to set an EU 2030 target for increasing the sales of low-risk pesticides.

Import Regulations

By December 2025, the Commission must examine the differences in pesticide use on imported agricultural and agri-food products compared to EU produce. Measures will be proposed if necessary to ensure that imports meet EU-equivalent standards.

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