The EU Commission aims to halve chemical pesticides by 2030. How farmers will be supported?
The European Commission has presented a legislative proposal to halve the use of the most hazardous pesticides by 2030. If approved by the European Parliament and the EU Council the regulation Member states will have to set their own reduction targets within clearly defined parameters and their own strategies. The success of the strategy, however, will depend on financial support for farmers.
The text of the European Commission's proposal contains a requirement for all farmers and professional pesticide users to activate Integrated Pest Management, ensuring that they use more sustainable farming practices and consider chemical pesticides as a last resort. The changes will be gradual, but to avoid negative impacts on food security, Member States will be able to use a part of Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 funds to cover the costs of the new requirements for farmers. This measure will offset the additional costs and prevent food prices from rising.<