Validity of rules on the use of pesticides in EFA areas
10.11.2017
Question for written answer P-006968-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bronis Ropė (Verts/ALE)
As part of the implementation of the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 concerning greening (EFA) areas, farmers had the right to choose ‘productive’ crops (fallow land, nitrogen-fixing plants, intermediate crops and green cover). This regulation does not prohibit the use of pesticides in such areas. After a number of years, the Commission, through Regulation (EU) 2017/1155, will ban the use of pesticides in these areas from 2018.
At the same time, it should be noted that EFA areas do not have a special status, such as that applicable to organic farming, with regard to the use of pesticides.
Article 4 (‘Approval criteria for active substances’), paragraph 3 (e) (ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market stipulates that approved active substances must not have unacceptable effects on the environment, on non-target species — in particular as regards their behaviour — or long-term effects on biodiversity and the ecosystem.
In this connection:
- 1.Does the Commission have data showing that the use of pesticides in EFA areas in the period from 2015 to 2017 has had a negative impact on biodiversity and non-target species? If so, could it please provide a specific list of such species and specific pesticides?
- 2.If the Commission has detected a specific undesirable effect caused by the use of pesticides in EFA areas, could it please explain the specific action it has taken to remove authorisations for the use of those pesticide active substances?