The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) has welcomed the adoption of a number of proposals by the Industry Committee of the European Parliament on key plant protection legislation. The proposals include measures for the Sustainable Use Framework Directive and for a regulation about the placing of plant protection products on the market.

However, ECPA noted concerns that the Committee rejected a majority of amendments which would allow rapid evaluation and authorisation for new and innovative plant protection products.

The Committee voted to base all prohibitions and restrictions on the use of plant protection products in sensitive areas on thorough risk assessments.

Member states may also introduce a tax or levy on plant protection products, and non-chemical techniques would have a privileged status within Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

The ECPA greeted the Committee's decision on parallel imports, calling for product identity and prohibiting repackaging. Also, amendments were adopted that would facilitate the authorisation process of products for minor crops.

Unfortunately, proposals that would have led to better data protection for companies willing to invest in new innovative products and suggestions regarding faster access for farmers to these products were rejected. The next step in the process will be voting in the responsible Environment Committee - June 5 on the proposals for the Framework Directive and July 17 for the Regulation.