ecological production
The Valencian countryside raises alarms about a proposed cut in phytosanitary products endorsed by the European Commission, warning that food safety could be at risk. La Unió de Llauradors regrets that Brussels intends to replace the current directive with new regulations and to impose time-bound, drastic reduction targets in the sustainable use of plant protection products. The farmers’ organization, led by Carles Peris, views the pace of the proposal as incompatible with the realities faced by growers and rural communities.
As the plan seeks to cut these products by half by 2030, the Union contends that such targets do not correspond to the production realities of the sector. The critique highlights that the proposal lacks robust, practical alternatives for farms and does not address how to manage imports from third countries that bring in products treated with substances that may be restricted locally. Peris and the union emphasize that the strategy should balance safety with the practical needs of farmers, ensuring that any changes keep farms viable while safeguarding consumers.
The agricultural group has already warned that the Farm to Fork targets could become mandatory regulations, and they argue that continuing along the path set since 2019 would be irresponsible. The union notes that recent political approvals appeared to overlook the long-term consequences for farming communities, especially in light of global disruptions such as health crises and regional conflicts. Peris underscored that the European Union should insist on reciprocity in the use of active ingredients and should link any reductions to fair and enforceable commitments, avoiding rushed international agreements that would place European producers at a competitive disadvantage. This critique aligns with concerns about how import orders are managed and how domestic use rules affect local agriculture .
the planetary weight of production
Peris argues that the burden of sustainable production must be shared across sectors and regions, and that the European Commission has yet to offer a tangible alternative for domestic crops. The organization contends that while imports may continue to arrive with substances banned in Europe, the concentration and consistency of emissions linked to these products demand closer scrutiny. It also condemns the lack of consideration for European-produced phytosanitary goods and their export potential abroad, suggesting that recent trade deals with European manufacturers have created unfair competition and higher costs. The group contends that the current framework risks shifting pollution and environmental impact to other regions while failing to address the core issues at home. They call for clear standards, better enforcement, and practical transition pathways that support farmers as they adapt to safer, sustainable practices .