Von der Leyen withdraws plan to reduce pesticides by 50% due to "polarization" around the agricultural sector

BRUSELAS, 6 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced this Tuesday that she will ask that the proposal to reduce the use of pesticides in the EU by half be withdrawn because she believes that it has become a "symbol of polarization" and considers that the next community Executive will be able to carry out a new "more mature" plan with the participation of farmers and the conclusions of the Strategic Dialogue with the sector that started at the end of January.

The German leader recalled that the Commission proposed this regulation with the "worthy objective" of reducing the risks of phytosanitary products, but "it has become a symbol of polarization", it has been rejected by the European Parliament and in the Council neither. There is progress, so he will propose his withdrawal to the College of Commissioners.

"We want to ensure that farmers continue to be the protagonists of this process," Von der Leyen noted in her speech before the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France) to review the achievements of the last summit on February 1, which coincided with a massive demonstration of farmers from all over Europe in Brussels.

Von der Leyen has recognized the discontent of farmers, who "felt cornered" and "deserve to be heard", but has warned, at the same time, that "they also know that agriculture must evolve towards a more productive model." sustainable so that their farms remain profitable in the coming years".

For this reason, he added, he has launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU, which has representatives from the agricultural sector, rural communities, the seed and fertilizer industry, the food sector, but also the financial sector, consumer and environmental groups and science.

The results and recommendations emerging from this dialogue, expected at the end of summer, will be debated in Parliament and with Member States and will form the basis of future agricultural policy.

"We have to analyze the situation together, share ideas and develop scenarios for the future. We must go beyond a polarized debate and generate trust. Trust is the fundamental basis of viable solutions," explained the president of the Community Executive, before to emphasize the importance of "avoiding the blame game and finding common solutions to problems."