Ref. Ares(2020)2728407 - 26/05/2020
Ref. Ares(2020)3454525 - 01/07/2020
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Directorate C. Strategy, simplification and Policy Analysis
C.1. Policy perspectives
Brussels
AGRI.DDG1.C.1/
/ 3038452
NOTE FOR THE FILE
Subject:
Report - Meeting between AGRI Cabinet and DG of the European
Crop Protection Association - 30/3/2020
Participants:
x European Crop Protection Association (ECPA):
x European Commission: C. Geslain-Laneelle (Deputy Head of Cabinet),
Main issues:
x Chemical
pesticides reduction target in the forthcoming Farm to Fork Strategy:
o The crop protection industry is open to discuss any reduction targets. The
industry has constantly been working to reduce the use of pesticides for
several years. However, this objective must be realistic and based on
science.
o Science-based and innovative solutions should be at the heart of the
European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. In this regard, ECPA
will soon announce its own “strategy” for the sustainable use of
pesticides. It will show how much the industry is investing and will invest
in bio-pesticides and digital agriculture to help farmers use less chemical
pesticides.
o The 50% reduction figure disclosed is not considered realistic by the crop
protection industry. The development of bio-pesticides is promising, but
these products cannot fully replace chemical pesticides. In addition,
French experience shows how difficult it is to reach such a high target.
o On the basis of projections concerning the products which will hit the
market and those for which the authorisation will not be renewed between
today and 2030, the crop protection industry considers that a reduction of
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