Sharp decline in the use of pesticides in Belgium
L“European Union aims to have its food system assessed towards a sustainable model. To achieve this, it has implemented concrete strategies such as that “from farm to fork” aimed at making food healthier and more sustainable in Europe, in particular by reducing by half the risk linked to the use of pesticides by 2030.
-35% compared to 2011-2013
In the report drawn up by Eurostat, the harmonized risk indicators contain estimates of the risk associated with the use of pesticides based on the content of active substances and not only on the basis of the quantities sold. Since 2019, this objective has been on track, since this risk is 21% lower than the average recorded over the 2011-2013 period.
This risk has also decreased in the majority of EU countries. Romania recorded the largest drop with a decrease of 62%, but some countries such as Finland, Austria, Cyprus, Latvia or Estonia, on the contrary, saw the risk of pesticide use increase.
Belgium ranks ninth in Europe, with a reduction in the use of pesticides of around 35% in 2019 compared to the period 2011-2013.
“These figures are separated from an objective classification of the situation of each Member State with a view to achieving the challenges linked to the European Green Deal. Frequently criticized, Belgium and Belgian farmers in particular are in fact the good students within Europe and the rest of the world,” said Minister Clarinval.