Evaluation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive
National agro-ecological conditions
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- ‘perfect’ products available in all seasons
| National agro-ecological conditions such as extreme climate events and weather or the health status of crops have been proven to play a major role in the use of PPPs, as the reduction of certain active substances makes it more difficult to treat certain pests. For instance, the landscape and humid climate in Ireland contribute significantly to the development of diseases that are treated with fungicides and neonicotinoids. The reduction of PPPs and in particular of fungicides has led to the loss of many crops, especially in winter, leading to a decrease of productivity. PPPs are then used as an element of insurance by farmers in order to avoid losing crops (Ireland – public authorities). Stakeholders consider that these specificities should be taken into account, in particular in the issuing of emergency authorisations. Other national specificities have been also evoked, such resource constraints in Spain (Spain – various activities).
Farmers are also being influenced by consumer behaviour and choices (Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria - employers) On the one hand, there is an unwillingness by many consumers to pay the higher costs for organic products arising from higher production costs and lower volumes compared to other more industrially produced agro-foods (Sweden). On the other hand, farmers feel pressure from consumers for ‘perfect’ products available in all seasons, which makes it impossible to avoid some level of treatment. Finally, some socio-demographic factors can also influence the farming practices of PPP users. For instance, in Croatia, farmers represent an ageing population, making the uptake of new techniques and alternative solutions more difficult (Croatia – public authorities, Spain – various activities). Young farmers usually tend to be keener on organic farming practices (Spain – trade unions, Ireland - employers). Compared to older farmers, they also tend to be better educated or to have better opportunities to be educated, particularly livestock and grassland farmers. Grassland farmers also tend to be more educated than cereal farmers (Ireland - employers). Download 0.85 Mb. Share with your friends:
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