Pesticides – an unsustainable system
• Biologically active substances
• Designed to cause toxicity in living organisms
Several pesticides are toxic to humans and non-target organisms
Pesticide impact (1)• Humans and farm animals
• Environment and its ecosystems
EU aquatic ecosystems: Risk 42% sites
Malaj et al. (2014)
Forests (Germany):76% insect biomass
Hallmann et al. (2017)
Pesticide impact (2)
Agriculture• Ecosystem services
• Soil degradation/fertility
• Pesticide resistance
• Need for more pesticidese.g. Typical for one season:
oil seed rape (UK): 22 pesticides
Implementing EU lawSustainable use of pesticides Directive
– Pesticides as a last resort (IPM)
– Clear reduction targets
– Monitoring
Not implemented by Member States
Alternatives are available