LA UNIÓ stated that -after reviewing the changes that the European Commission wants to introduce in the legislative framework on the sustainable use of plant protection products, opting for regulation instead of the current directive and setting excessive objectives regarding the term and methods of reduction in its use- they find these changes are incongruous and contrary to the speed of such a process.
LA UNIÓ warned that the proposal to reduce these products with the common objective of achieving a 50% reduction by 2030 does not take into account the productive reality of the agricultural sector. Moreover, it is not accompanied by a rigorous impact study, it does not present certain and viable alternatives for farms, and it does not make any reference to the prohibited substances that enter through food imports from third countries.
"The European Union must not tolerate signing agreements without reciprocity in the use of active substances, without acquiring the reduction commitments that the European strategy From farm to table and without ordering in terms of import periods so that they do not overlap with European productions that don't run at a loss," stated Carles Peris, Secretary General of LA UNIÓ.
LA UNIÓ highlighted the importance of maintaining and caring for the environment as a whole, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as betting on the progressive conversion towards organic agriculture valuing the work of farmers and ranchers as the main managers of the environment. However, they insist that the weight of the planet must be borne by more people, both from different sectors and places.
"In addition to not presenting any tangible alternative for our productions, the EC allows products that have been cultivated or processed with active substances that are prohibited here to enter the EU market and it will continue to allow them without looking at the degree of intensity in the use of plant protection products," they stated. "It would seem like they think that the pollution caused by other parts of the world and the CO₂ emissions that are generated by bringing those products here affect a different planet," they added. They also criticized that this regulation does not talk about phytosanitary products manufactured in Europe and exported abroad.
"It also shows the double standards of the latest closed trade agreements that imply unfair competition with European producers who are bearing the greatest costs in their history and increasingly demanding environmental requirements."
"Putting more obstacles without giving alternatives, without looking at the reality of the sector, endangers our food security and sovereignty because there will come a time when no one will want to engage in agriculture anymore," the organization stated.
Source: launio.org