Revised Directive for a Sustainable Use of pesticides expected on 23 March

The indicative calendar of the European Commission for the first half of 2022 mentions the launch of a “Nature restauration package” on 23 March. This package includes two legislative initiatives:

• A proposal for a revised Directive for a Sustainable Use of pesticides (SUD), and
• A proposal for a Regulation establishing nature restauration targets.

The SUD will be the main lever to achieve the Farm to Fork Strategy’s target for a reduction of pesticide use by 50% by 2030.

IFOAM Organics Europe has:

• Advocated to make this target legally binding in the revised SUD, an option that has also been explored in the study commissioned by the Commission – which will support the impact assessment of the revision of the SUD, which will also be published on 23 March;
• Argued to prioritise organic farming to reach the pesticide reduction target; and
• Questioned the prominence of new technologies, like drones and precision farming, in the policy options assessed by the consultant in charge of the study supporting the impact assessment.

If the Commission respects its calendar, 23 March will launch the co-decision process on the SUD. It is likely that the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will be responsible for this dossier in the European Parliament, while in the EU Council, it will be the Environment Ministers.

IFOAM Organics Europe members can find more information on the member extranet and background materials in the arguments database on the member extranet (main messages, arguments/FAQs, visuals & videos).

Please contact [email protected] for questions on pesticides and natural inputs. Do note that we prioritise our members’ requests. For information about what you can gain from being a member, read our membership page and contact [email protected].