Sustainable alternatives to neonicotinoids in Europe include implementing agroecological practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and habitat diversification to naturally control pests and support pollinators. Utilising biological control methods like introducing natural predators and beneficial insects can effectively manage pest populations without harming bees and other pollinators.
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine multiple approaches tailored to specific crops and environments, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while maintaining crop productivity.
Additionally, supporting agroecology and organic farming practices that prohibit synthetic pesticides, including neonicotinoids, encourages environmentally friendly agriculture. The recent decision by the Commission to withdraw the stalled negotiations on the new Pesticides Regulation presents a fresh opportunity to prioritise sustainable pesticide use. We advocate for rules promoting strong pesticide reduction and integrated pest management, crucial for safeguarding biodiversity, pollinators, water quality, public health, and farmers’ well-being, in alignment with the EU Farm-to-Fork strategy and the Green Deal.
Last, we firmly advocate for the protection of our farmers from unfair competition with third countries, where the use of synthetic pesticides are still allowed. No crop produced with the use of chemical pesticides that are banned in the EU should be allowed in the EU market. Plus, we call on public authorities to ban the export of chemical pesticides that are banned on EU soil.
Keywords : glyphosate, biodiversity, herbicide, weed killer, pesticide
