COLEACP response to ‘Pesticides – sustainable use’ (updated EU rules)

In September 2022, COLEACP responded to the public consultation on the Regulation of the European Parliament and of The Council on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.

In line with COLEACP programmes’ overall goal – to reduce poverty, improve food security and food safety, and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth by strengthening the agri-food export sector – the response focused on the adoption of the Regulation in the context of its potential impact on developing countries, in particular for the horticultural sector in Africa-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries.

COLEACP’s response emphasised that reduced reliance on pesticides and the development of integrated pest management are crucial and integral elements to long-term sustainability strategies in ACP countries; however, these countries’ short-term capacity to adopt new agricultural practices must be taken into consideration.