EU Plant protection products regulation
(2026) , 38 pages
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- Abstract
- Food production systems in Europe rely largely on chemical pesticides to maintain crop yields. However, pesticides can have significant negative effects on the environment, particularly on biodiversity. For instance, the use of pesticides in farming practices can lead to runoff of these substances into rivers, lakes and groundwater. If pesticide levels exceed critical thresholds, individually or as mixtures, they affect ecological processes and make ecosystems less diverse and less resistant to disturbances.1 Besides, pesticides are intrinsically harmful to living organisms2 not only to targeted pests but also to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.3 The decrease in pollinators, partly due to pesticides,4 raises concerns regarding the sustainability of agriculture.5 Although there is a downward trend in the use and risk of chemical pesticides including the more hazardous ones, this decrease has not yet resulted in reduced pesticide levels in surface waters6 and soils.7 Furthermore, there are significant declines in insect populations and on insectivorous birds. In addition, the health risks associated with pesticide exposure are multi-faceted.
- Affiliations
Citations
de Sadeleer, N. (2026). EU Plant protection products regulation (Jean Monnet Working Paper Series - Environment and Internal Market Vol. 2026/1). https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/276112