Costs cannot not be shifted to organic farms
Germany: Residue measurements for organic products
At the event, titled "Residue Measurement for Organic Products, Is the Zero Limit the End of Organic Farming?", Arp clarified the Association's point of view: “I would not call it the ‘end of organic farming’. However, the rules on pesticide detection in the new EU organic regulations continue to pose a threat to organic farmers, organic processors and organic traders, although improvements have been made in the final stages of negotiations.”
“Now it is important that the subsequent legislation takes sufficient account of the practical experience of farms, inspection bodies and public authorities so that the rules can be implemented without harming organic farming and the organic market.”
“Above all, it must be ensured that not every trace evidence leads to official closures and investigations, although it is known that a great deal of pesticide evidence originates in conventional agriculture, especially in certain crops which, because of their natural characteristics, are "pesticide collectors". In addition, due to the ubiquity of pesticides in the environment, a specific cause is often difficult to determine or can only be determined with disproportionate effort. This fact must be taken into account and must not lead to the costs incurred being borne by organic farms.”
“Of course, the Association, with more than ten years of experience of monitoring systems for fruit and vegetables as well as dry goods is always happy to advise and provide its expertise.”