Evaluation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive
C) Tackling the different factors influencing farmers to adopt and to use PPPs
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| C) Tackling the different factors influencing farmers to adopt and to use PPPs
When deciding whether to use PPPs or to implement IPM into their farming practices, users of PPPs are influenced by many factors, including economic, political, social and environmental factors. It is widely agreed by all stakeholders that economic and financial pressure has the greatest influence on farmers in terms of their use of PPPs. The questionnaire results show that 81% of respondents indicated that economic factors have a major influence on the choices of farmers. 47% of respondents also deem environmental factors to be very important (Question 1). Political and social factors are less important according to 31% and 42% of the responses, respectively. Over the last few decades, farmers have seen significant increases in yields and profitability from using pesticides (Ireland, trade unions). The reduction of active substances on the market thus forces farmers to make a choice between costs and revenues, and it is often impossible to stop using PPPs if they want to stay competitive in the market. Ecological/environmental concerns are nevertheless high on the agenda, and studies have demonstrated that farmers are increasingly aware of their responsibility to the environment. However, over the last few decades, farmers have seen significant increases in yields and profitability from using pesticides. Even if farmers are educated on the use of PPPs and aware of the risks, in most cases, yield drives profitability, encouraging farmers to use more PPPs (Ireland – trade unions, Bulgaria - employers). Nonetheless, it should be reiterated that PPPs are often expensive: thus, if farmers can avoid the purchase and use of PPPs, they will often willingly do so without EU or government pressure (Sweden, Croatia – trade unions). Download 0.85 Mb. Share with your friends:
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