Spain stands out as a major EU member when it comes to pesticide use. In 2020, usage reached 75,774 tons, a figure highlighted by the Pesticide Atlas produced by Friends of the Earth in collaboration with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Foundation and the European Network. The report notes that this type of chemical is associated with serious health risks, ecological disruption, and biodiversity loss across communities.
Andrés Muñoz Rico, who oversees Friends of the Earth’s Food Sovereignty program, explained that global use of these chemicals has risen by about 80% since 1990. In 2020 the world totals show allocations of roughly 468,431 tonnes in Europe, 770,393 in Latin America, 658,529 in Asia, 486,732 in North America, 105,757 in Africa, 90,163 in Central America, and 70,421 in Oceania. He added that the United Kingdom remains the largest exporter with 32,187 tonnes, followed by Germany at 8,078 and Spain at 5,182, illustrating a dynamic, transnational market for these products.
The report also identifies Brazil as a leading recipient of pesticides, receiving about 10,008 tonnes, with Ukraine at 6,003 and South Africa at 1,702 as other notable importers.
astronomical benefits
Turning to corporate figures, the four biggest companies in the pesticide sector reported substantial profits from their pesticide divisions. The combined earnings approach nearly 32.9 billion dollars, with Syngenta around 9.9 billion, Bayer about 9.8 billion, Corteva near 5.7 billion, and BASF close to 5.5 billion.
Pesticide sales in the EU and related markets remain a focal point for regulatory debates. Among Bayer-Monsanto products, glyphosate has been listed by the World Health Organization as possibly carcinogenic, and sales in the EU have been notable at around 841 million dollars. Thiamethoxam faces restrictions in the EU due to bee toxicity, with reported figures near 242 million, while concerns about glufosinate’s effects on sexual function and fertility feature in European assessments that tallied approximately 227 million.
Health costs linked to chemical exposure in Europe are estimated at about 132 billion euros, with impacts on the endocrine system, obesity, diabetes, and reproductive health also highlighted in assessments by public health experts.
Regarding environmental safety standards, Europe maintains a limit on glyphosate in water at 0.1 micrograms per liter, whereas some other regions have more permissive thresholds, prompting ongoing regulatory comparisons and debates about protective limits.
Marta García Pallarés, coordinator for Ecologistas en Acción’s campaign on trade and investment deals, warned that the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement could intensify environmental and social costs. The European Commission and member governments have promoted the agreement as a key economic stimulus, yet critics argue it would accelerate deforestation and biodiversity loss under neoliberal policies. The sentiment is that Latin American exports of raw materials might primarily bolster EU industrial sectors, risking imbalances across social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
In the context of Mercosur negotiations, projections indicate a potential 90% reduction in pesticide tariffs, which could raise pesticide usage to boost production of crops such as soybeans, sugar, corn, rice, and beef. This scenario is viewed by many as benefiting a small group of large pesticide producers rather than farmers, consumers, or the environment.
Lucia Ortiz, president of Friends of the Earth Brazil and a representative of Friends of the Earth International across Latin America, remarked on the formation of groups opposing the EU-Mercosur pact due to anticipated harm to South American communities. The consensus among advocates is that the agreement would worsen ecological and social conditions rather than improve regional development.
One death in two days in Brazil
There is growing concern about pesticide exposure in Brazil, where reports suggest that people may be affected by chemicals used in agricultural practices on a two-day cycle. Many affected individuals are young, and the lack of robust healthcare infrastructure complicates diagnosis and treatment. Medical professionals note that new products can evade early detection, making timely responses difficult.
León Fernández, an agronomist and organic producer from Madrid, commented that the university system has close ties to agribusiness activities and that organic agriculture often receives limited academic emphasis, which can deter environmentally conscious students. A broader conversation on agricultural education and sustainable farming practices is underway among researchers and practitioners alike.
A broader report titled Atlas of Pesticides in Europe has been published and is available through public channels for those seeking a detailed, data-driven overview. Researchers emphasize the need for continued monitoring and policy adjustments to protect health and ecosystems, particularly in regions facing high pesticide reliance.
Contact details for environmental inquiries have been withheld in this summary to focus on publicly available research and analysis for readers seeking information on pesticide policy, public health, and environmental stewardship.