EU proposes new pesticide reduction target amid controversy

The European Commission's plan to reduce pesticide use has faced criticism from European farmers, primarily due to concerns about the availability of alternatives by 2030.

In response, a new target is being proposed to make the EU executive accountable for providing farmers with low-risk options and actively contributing to creating a robust market for such products.

European Parliament members (MEPs) want to set an ambitious yet achievable target, considering technical and market insights, and request the Commission establish a methodology for calculating it.ember states must set their national goals for increasing the sales of low-risk plant protection products and biological control.

We asked Green MEP Jutta Paulus how the Parliament's position has evolved regarding the reduction targets for chemical pesticides and more hazardous plant protection products, and what are the key disagreements between the conservative side of the Parliament and the Greens in the context of the compromise amendments discussed?