Brussels, Belgium
July 15, 2015

Together with IBMA, Copa and Cogeca underlined the benefits of using bio-pesticides on crops at an event hosted by MEPs Giovanni La Via and Pavel Poc today, but warned that the regulatory system for approving products is too long, putting some key food supplies at risk.

Speaking at the event, President of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) Willem Ravensberg said “Demand for using bio-pesticides is really growing as they are more environmentally friendly, low risk and sustainable than other plant protection products. Every company in the plant protection industry is active in bio-pesticides. But a big problem stopping the development of the industry is the overly bureaucratic EU regulatory system and long approval system. There is also a waiting list of nearly two years for product registration. A fast direct system must be developed with a preliminary approval system so that we can get products to the market quicker”.

Dr Luc Peeters Chairman of Copa-Cogeca Working Party on Phyosanitary questions warned “Without treatment, 30-40% of food is lost. And with food demand set to rise by 60% by 2050, it is crucial that farmers have an effective and sustainable toolbox with low-risk pesticides to effectively manage pests and diseases. We need them to fight both current pests and diseases and new emergent situations”.

“At present, only 3 low-risk active substances and 4 basic substances have been approved at EU level. This is not nearly enough. The situation is particularly worrying for specific crops like fruit and vegetables, cereals, seeds, flowers and plants whose production is threatened unless tailor made solutions are found. We consequently urge EU decision-makers to introduce a fast-track approval procedure for new low-risk active substances to ensure we have sufficient, good quality food supplies at hand to meet a growing population”, he said.

Mr Rio Praaning Prawira Adiningrat Secretary-General of the PA International Foundation meanwhile presented results from a survey showing the majority of consumers favour having low-risk pesticides.

Wrapping up, MEP Giovanni La Via, Chairman of Parliaments Environment Committee said “We need a simple and shorter process for authorizing low risk pesticides and we need to increase their use”. MEP Pavel Poc promised to the put the issue on the agenda in October/ November on the Intergoup for Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Biodiversity of which he is Chairman.

Website: http://www.copa-cogeca.be

Published: July 17, 2015