The EU faces a reality check on the idea of cutting pesticide use quickly. Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas made it clear that a rapid reduction is unlikely to be agreed this week. He explained that reaching a legislative deal on lowering chemical pesticide use is a very difficult task within the current European Union mandate. The next European Parliament elections are set for June 6 to 9, 2024, and Spain holds the rotating presidency this summer.
“Honestly, closing a deal on such a complex file within this legislative period is going to be tough,” Planas said as he arrived at an EU Agriculture Ministers meeting in Luxembourg, where discussions on lowering pesticide use were on the agenda.
Last June the European Commission put forward a target to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030. It is likely, however, that member states will adjust targets to fit their own starting points.
The commission underscored the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on farming, and in December, member states asked for a fresh impact assessment.
Pesticide use linked to health concerns
“We are waiting for the supplementary impact report requested by the Council. We expect to get it in the first week of July,” Planas noted.
The July meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers, under the Spanish presidency, will continue the discussion.
Minister says the offer will not be withdrawn
Even if member states and the European Parliament fail to reach an agreement before the end of the legislative period, Planas rejected the idea that the offer would be scrapped.
“In line with the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy, the EU will bring these efforts together, and Spain will participate in that effort,” he stated.
Planas also commented on the European Parliament, where the European People’s Party has voiced opposition to some files tied to the Green Pact.
“A lot of political competition exists within the Parliament. Ministers cannot ignore this reality, yet the Spanish presidency must push forward elements that can be implemented without undermining productive needs or the technical nature of the proposal.”
He added, “There is much work ahead. Under the Spanish presidency the goal is to advance both technically and politically on the file.”
During Sweden’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, Planas acknowledged that meaningful progress on integrated pest management could be made and that the flexibility offered by such measures matters for the sector.
“We fully support the aim of reducing phytosanitary use, but the process must proceed meticulously and with a timetable that lets farmers operate profitably while achieving environmental objectives.”
The farmer remains protected
Planas emphasized that farmers will not be left unprotected when it comes to pest management and disease prevention. He urged a move toward more natural protections and highlighted ongoing monitoring of new phytosanitary controls, especially regarding potential trade implications with the United Kingdom.
“The implementation should reflect current climate conditions and the flexibility of policy tools, without creating unilateral trade restrictions.”
He also urged careful handling of the Common Agricultural Policy, stressing the need for practical and adaptable measures rather than exceptions that would disrupt farming viability.
That point closed with a reminder that ongoing coordination will be essential as the process unfolds.
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