Two-thirds of Spain’s surface is affected by pesticides, according to a joint report by Ecologytas en Acción, Seo/BirdLife and WWF, presented in Madrid alongside a manifesto calling for government action to reduce the impact of these chemicals.
The manifesto, titled “Plague of Pesticides Silences Nature,” accompanied an exhibition by photojournalist Santi Donaire, “Until the Earth Comes,” which documents how intensive farming practices threaten human health and environmental well-being. The exhibit underscores the link between agricultural methods and public health, urging policymakers to consider ecological and social costs alongside productivity.
Enrique Segovia, director of conservation at WWF, described pesticides as a silent plague because they silence living systems. He urged authorities to halt this plague by addressing their documented negative effects on health, ecosystems and climate, which are supported by scientific assessments and regulatory findings.
Aina Calafat, head of advocacy and international projects at the Spanish Association of Organic Agriculture (SEAE), asserted that organic farming can be scaled to meet demand without relying on chemical pesticides, while maintaining food safety and quality. The position aligns with broader calls for a transition to agroecological practices that protect producer and consumer health alike.
For these advocates, safeguarding public health extends to farm workers as well, calling for responsible practices across the agricultural sector and greater transparency in reporting.
science-based
Calafat urged Spanish society to support the manifesto, noting that the information underpinning it is grounded in scientific evidence and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessments. The aim is to ensure that policy is informed by credible data and robust risk analyses.
The promoting organizations advocate for a regulatory framework that supports an agroecological transition, with clear, binding targets for reducing pesticide use both quantitatively and qualitatively, especially in highly polluted regions. They emphasize the urgency of action and call for ongoing citizen information campaigns and transparent disclosure of the best available information.
Proposals include establishing an integrated management system for expired pesticides, halting exceptional permits for pesticide use and systemic aerial application, and prohibiting Spanish production of pesticides not authorized within the European Union.
Calafat also highlighted the need for transparent and accurate information campaigns that remain free from special interests, ensuring that public discourse reflects factual data rather than selective messaging.
Koldo Hernández, coordinator of Ecologas en Acción’s Toxic Field initiative, stressed that a market cannot tolerate pesticides that are banned. He added that many Spaniards do not know which chemicals are used in their own regions, underscoring a gap in local awareness and governance.
lack of up-to-date data
Hernández pointed to inconsistent data from authorities. He referenced official statements from the European Union and Spain in 2020 indicating a reduction in pesticide risk by about 20 percent, while consumption rose in parallel. He warned that banned pesticides sometimes appear among the best-selling products, reflecting gaps between policy rhetoric and practice.
In many cases, prohibitions exist on these substances, yet exceptional allowances persist, creating a routine that sustains risk. The overall picture shows a need for more timely, transparent, and comprehensive monitoring.
Hernández also called for a review of monitoring approaches, focusing on intrinsic toxicity rather than solely legal classifications. He noted that highly toxic pesticides can still be used in some contexts, and pointed out examples where a substance banned domestically is produced or sold elsewhere, effectively exporting risk and undermining regional safeguards.
The speakers argued that environmental decisions should reflect ecological realities and public health priorities, not merely market dynamics. The discussion emphasized the need for unified standards and consistent enforcement to prevent risky practices from slipping into routine use.
The campaign also reaffirmed the commitment to accessible, science-based information for citizens and stakeholders, and stressed the importance of aligning national actions with European Union protections for health and the environment.
The referenced statements and data draw on supervisory bodies and independent research that track chemical usage, exposure pathways and long-term outcomes for ecosystems and human health. The overarching message is clear: proactive, transparent, and evidence-driven policies are essential to reduce pesticide reliance and to safeguard nature and public well-being for present and future generations.
Note: The document emphasizes the need for continued monitoring, open reporting, and collaborative action among government, civil society, and industry to advance safer agricultural practices. This includes exploring safer alternatives, enhancing support for organic farming, and ensuring that regulatory measures keep pace with evolving scientific understanding.