Pesticides – European and International Regulations
Pesticides – European and International Regulations
Pesticides have played a fundamental role in modern agriculture, helping to protect crops from pests and diseases. However, their use is subject to strict regulations to ensure food safety, human health and environmental protection.
With the advent of modern agroecological techniques, the use of pesticides will undergo a significant transformation and evolution, probably rewriting the methods of use, quantities and research in the sector.
Pesticides are chemical or biological substances used to prevent, destroy or control harmful organisms. These include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and rodenticides. Although essential for agriculture, their improper use can have negative consequences on human health and the environment.
European Pesticide Regulation –
Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 is the cornerstone of European pesticide legislation. It regulates the authorisation and placing on the market of plant protection products. The main objectives are:
– Protection of human and animal health.
– Environmental protection.
– Ensuring the effectiveness of pesticides.
To obtain authorisation, plant protection products must pass rigorous scientific tests to assess:
– Acute and chronic toxicity.
– Persistence in the environment.
– Effects on non-target organisms.
Regulation (EU) No. 396/2005
This regulation establishes maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food and feed. MRLs are essential to ensure that pesticide residues do not exceed levels considered safe for human health.
Directive 2009/128/EC
Directive 2009/128/EC promotes the sustainable use of pesticides through measures such as:
– Mandatory training for operators.
– Monitoring of pesticide use.
– Promotion of alternative methods, such as integrated pest management.
International Pesticide Regulations –
The Codex Alimentarius is a set of food standards adopted by the FAO and the WHO. It includes standards for pesticide residues in food and guidelines for risk assessment. Although not binding, Codex is often used as a reference for national regulations.
Rotterdam Convention. This convention regulates the import and export of certain hazardous pesticides. Through the principle of prior informed consent (PIC), it ensures that importing countries are adequately informed about the risks associated with pesticides.
Stockholm Convention. The Stockholm Convention deals with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a group of extremely hazardous chemicals. Some pesticides, such as DDT, are on the list of banned or heavily regulated substances.
Challenges and Future Prospects –
Despite strict regulations, some challenges remain:
– Chemical resistance: The prolonged use of pesticides has led to the emergence of resistant pests.
– Environmental pollution: Soil and water contamination is a growing concern.
– Sustainable substitutes: The search for environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biopesticides, is increasing.
European policies, such as the “Farm to Fork” strategy of the European Green Deal, aim to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
In conclusion, pesticides remain a crucial tool for agriculture, but their use must be carefully regulated to minimize risks to human health and the environment. European regulations, together with international standards, represent a solid framework to ensure responsible use. However, the future requires a greater commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions and, in this sense, the advent of agroecology will substantially change sector research, their use and application.