IFOAM Organics Europe, GLOBAL 2000, Agroecology Europe and IBMA (biocontrol manufacturers) present a scientific paper- Call for strong EU pesticide reduction in a new light
Brussels, Vienna, 14 February 2023 – “Organic farming is not what it claims to be. Organic farmers also spray poisons – and not too sparingly.” “Organic farmers and growers use active substances that are as toxic as chemical/synthetic pesticides’ active substances.” Or at least, this is what advocates of industrial agriculture claim.
With the European Citizens’ Initiative “Save Bees and Farmers”, more than 1 million Europeans are calling for a gradual phase-out of synthetic pesticides. The European Commission has proposed a legally binding EU-wide 50 % reduction target for chemical pesticides by 2030. At the same time, it aims to increase the share of organic farming in Europe to 25%. Against this background, reputation-damaging attacks on the use of plant protection products in organic agriculture are also on the rise.
Time for a fact check! We cordially invite you to the press conference on the exciting comparison of pesticide active substances approved for conventional and organic agriculture.
Date: 23 february 2023, 9:00-10:00
Online via Zoom
We appreciate your interest and ask for your registration.
The experts:
- Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, biochemist of GLOBAL 2000 presents the results of a new peer reviewed study (Burtscher-Schaden/Durstberger/Zaller, 2022) on the toxicological comparison of pesticide active substances approved for conventional and organic agriculture in Europe,
- Lili Balogh, President of Agroecology Europe and farmer will report on preventive and natural measures in plant protection,
- Jennifer Lewis, Director of IBMA (biocontrol manufacturers) will present the possibilities for conventional farmers to use biocontrol substances and IPM as alternatives to synthetic pesticides & the need for a faster registration process of natural/biocontrol substances,
- Jan Plagge, President of IFOAM Organics Europe will frame the paper’s results in the context of political strategies for EU pesticide reduction and strengthening organic farming to ensure the productivity of our agriculture for the next generations.
About the organisers
Agroecology Europe intends to place agroecology high on the European agenda of sustainable development of farming and food systems. It wants to foster interactions between actors in sciences, practices and social movements, by facilitating knowledge sharing and action. It aims at the creation of an inclusive European community of professionals, practitioners, and more generally societal stakeholders in agroecology.
IBMA is the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association which represents the biocontrol industry, with over 250 member companies globally. It is the experienced voice of Biocontrol for a sustainable and resilient global agriculture for healthier food systems to benefit farmers, environment and consumers.
GLOBAL 2000 is an independent Austrian environmental organization and a member of Friends of the Earth, the largest international network of environmental organizations. GLOBAL 2000 closely monitors the development of environmental policy in Austria and is committed to ecological fairness and a future worth living both locally and around the globe.
IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: from farmers and processors organisations, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders and researchers to environmental and consumer advocacy bodies.