Member States failed to find a common position in a meeting of the Council of Agricultural Ministers about new EU legislation on pesticide approval. Most importantly, a compromise could not be reached on thecut-off criteria to ban carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, immunotoxic or neurotoxic pesticides. A decision has been postponed until June.
Although no decision was reached it is noteworthy that the new Comissioner for health: Androula Vassiliou fought against many member states in order to keep the cut-off criteria as an important part of health protection. She described the criteria as "essential" and argued that the current pesticide legislation is based on "very old science". She also said that the proposed legislation would have little, if any, impact on productivity as most of the substances involved are already banned by many member states.
The Pesticide Action Network Europe supported Ms Vassiliou, saying that they completely shared her point of view and welcoming her strong health position in the face of pressure from industry.
"It is excellent to see the Commission fighting for better legislation on pesticides – despite pressure from pesticides manufacturers. Public health must come before corporate profits." said Elliott Cannell, Coordinator of PAN Europe.
An Indian study recently showed links between pesticides and DNA damage thus conferring a higher risk of cancer, only strengthening the argument for more pesticide control.
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for Further information
2867th AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES Council meeting (PROVISIONAL VERSION) - Brussels, 19 May 2008
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