The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has warned that the wording of certain aspects of new EU legislation adjusting pesticide authorisation has no scientific basis and could lead to unwarranted blanket prohibitions.
The group, which is sponsored by Europe’s crop protection industry, said in a statement that it had “serious reservations” about the agreement, arguing that certain changes were required to ensure a more scientifically rigorous basis.
ECPA director general Friedhelm Schmider claimed that the current wording of the proposals had already led to “extravagant declarations about non-existent pesticide blacklists from certain members of the European Parliament”.
“Claims are being whipped up aimed at capitalising on public fear about food safety,” said Mr Schmider. “This is entirely inappropriate and overreaches the bounds of good governance.”
The organisation is urging the Parliament to authorise “the development of scientific, risk-based criteria by independent experts, without political interference” to review the pesticide products that will be affected by the legislation.
“It is now vital for such a perspective to apply during the implementation phase and we ask that the European Food Safety Authority evaluate the criteria currently in place and put in place sensible, science-based criteria as required by the legislation,” said Mr Schmider.
“The potential negative impact of the loss of active substances, in particular on integrated pest management programmes, food supply and affordability has been highlighted many times,” he added.
