Let countries choose how to reduce plant protection products

The EPP Group will not support laws that hinder farmers' ability to produce food or reduce overall food production.

"At a time of multiple crises and global food shortages, we should ensure food security and not hamper food production in Europe. We all want fewer plant protection products on our plates. However, reducing them without suitable low-risk alternatives while simultaneously placing additional burdens on farmers is not a sustainable solution. New legislation must not make food more expensive, must not reduce food production in Europe and must not lead farmers quitting their business," said Alexander Bernhuber MEP, the EPP Group's chief negotiator on 'Plant Protection Products', following today's vote in the Environment Committee.

"The EPP Group is on the side of farmers, consumers and technological progress. Several Member States have already achieved significant reductions; Slovenia, for example, has cut plant protection products by 25 percent compared to 2015-2017. European countries must be able to choose their own trajectories, practices and priorities when it comes to reducing pesticides. This is why the current proposed law is simply not fit for purpose. It is crucial that these Member States who have made substantial strides in reducing plant protection products are not penalised," stressed Franc Bogovič MEP, the EPP Group's Negotiator of the law in the Agriculture Committee.

"Farming is about the future, not the past! If farmers are restricted from using plant protection products, they must be allowed to embrace new breeding techniques to enhance food production," Bogovič added.

"We also cannot agree with the Greens’ demands for increased bureaucracy. It is just not realistic to ask farmers to announce on a website every time they use plant production products. Farmers must be allowed to do their work in fields instead of filling in forms and stockpiling paperwork," concluded Bernhuber.