The reduction of use of pesticides has a central role to play in terms of food sustainability in Europe and the development of a more sustainable agricultural sector, Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou stressed in a statement to the Cyprus News Agency,[/B] promising that the Commission's proposals will be accompanied by support for producers.
The proposal for a Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides includes a 50% reduction in the use of hazardous pesticides by 2030, and is expected to be presented on Wednesday along with proposals to protect biodiversity. The proposal will be subject to consultation between Member States (EU Council) and Parliament.
In a written statement ahead of the presentation of the proposal, Kyriakidou stressed that "sustainability is our guarantee for the future" as through this principle "we can guarantee our natural resources, our health, climate and economy" as well as food safety.
"The EU needs to make the transition to more sustainable agriculture and more sustainable food systems," he added, noting that "reducing pesticide use has a key role to play in this" transition.
"We will deliver on the ambitious commitments we made under the EU's Farm to Plate Strategy to reduce the use of harmful pesticides," he stressed.
"We will also keep our promise to leave no one behind, whether consumers or producers," he continued, concluding that ambitious targets in this area are accompanied by "a corresponding ambition in terms of the level of support."
Source: CNA
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