The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has released a report outlining that fake, illegally traded pesticides are commonly available across most European countries.
In the report, entitled 'Counterfeit Pesticides Across Europe: Facts, Consequences and Actions Needed', the ECPA said that 5-7 per cent of the European pesticide market is affected by counterfeiting and illegal trade, with up to 25 per cent of products identified as fake in some regions of the bloc.
These fake pesticides not only pose a major threat to the health of farmers, consumers and the environment, but also damage the food supply chain and damages economies, the study noted.
'For the first time, we have a picture of the extent and impact of pesticides across Europe - and the picture is frightening,' said Rocky Rowe, ECPA's lead on the anti-counterfeit campaign.
The report identified China as a major source of fake substances, with 86 per cent of all counterfeited pesticides seized at external EU borders in 2006 originating from the Asian country.
The report concluded that low government recognition, weak national enforcement and inadequate penalties all hindered the battle against fake pesticides, with the ECPA calling for 'urgent actions' so as to better monitor plant protection products.
'Pesticide companies are devoting significant efforts to fighting this problem but cannot stand alone,' said Friedhelm Schmider, director general at the ECPA. 'Counterfeiting pesticides is criminal. Enforcement and political solutions are essential to protect the public.'
