European Union: New Rules Propose to Halve Pesticide Use and Risk in the EU

On June 22, 2022, the European Commission adopted its proposal for a new Regulation on the sustainable use of Plant Protection Products (SUR). The rules encourage reducing pesticides through integrated pest management and alternatives to chemical pesticides. The SUR is considered to be a crucial tool to achieving the targets outlined in the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy as it puts forward legally binding pesticide reduction targets to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. The proposal is part of the Commission’s nature restoration package, which also includes a proposal to restore damaged ecosystems and bring nature back across Europe. The adopted act is open for feedback until August 22, 2022. The Commission will summarize all feedback and present it to the European Parliament and Council to include it into the legislative debate.