Evaluation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive

Relevance

1. The new EU governance model requires an ever-increasing degree of coordination and cooperation between the various existing public policies. Some of the new policies emerging as part of the new Green Deal will therefore have a significant impact on policies affecting not only the SUD itself but also more comprehensive policies such as the common agricultural policy (CAP).

2. In the same vein, the surveys and missions carried out for this report reveal a broad consensus on the importance of the CAP and its ability to create synergies with other policies and actions related to sustainability goals. While the possibility of exploring new avenues and ways of connecting different policies to boost environmental ambition is broadly accepted, the information provided also shows the need to prevent such actions from jeopardising or compromising the funds and resources allocated to meet the targets and goals set out in the CAP.

3. Similarly, as they contain actions that have direct effects for regulating the SUD, the measures introduced under the new European Green Deal and the Biodiversity 2030 and Farm to Fork strategies should be thoroughly assessed in order to prevent any negative impact on farmers' incomes. In this respect, the information that has been provided reveals a shared view of the need to carry out sectoral impact assessments quantifying the effects of the implementation of the new objectives in relation to the reduction of plant protection products, under the Farm to Fork strategy.

4. Furthermore, the implementation of new measures or actions relating to the revision of the current SUD should take into account the objectives, principles and nature of the CAP (Article 39 TFEU) in such a way that resources aimed at tackling the low profitability of farmers are not put at risk or compromised. The set of actions and policies contained in the Green Deal should also take into account sustainability as is clearly recognised in all of its three aspects: environmental, social and economic

5. There are also serious concerns regarding the policy of importing food from third countries which has been treated with plant protection products that are not authorised on the European single market. It is therefore essential that the EU implements the existing rules, applying the principle of reciprocity to agri-food products from third countries. Controls and monitoring should also be strengthened to prevent pesticides which are not permitted under European legislation entering the EU. Both issues need to be specifically taken into account as they prevent EU farmers from competing on a level playing field, particularly in terms of costs and prices and also because of their negative effects on issues related to food safety, fraud and consumer information. In this context, it is important to defend the importance of and continue demonstrating commitment to the model of sustainable European agriculture, without making farmers less competitive. It is worth noting, in this regard, that 68% of respondents believe that, given the trade-off between profitability and sustainability, this tension will result in a significant loss of competitiveness for farmers.

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