- European Commission adopts new measures to restrict hazardous pesticides and ensure food safety
Brussels, February 21, 2025. On February 19, the European Commission presented its roadmap for the future of the agri-food sector with new measures to strengthen the ban on hazardous pesticides in the European Union. These measures include a ban on the reimportation of products containing pesticides banned in the EU for health and environmental reasons, as well as an assessment of the impact of these regulations on the competitiveness of the sector.
In addition, the Commission will analyze the export of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides banned in the EU, in order to strengthen the alignment of standards in imported products and improve animal welfare. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underlined the importance of the agricultural sector in this context: “Our farmers are at the heart of the EU food production system. Thanks to their daily work, we all have safe and high quality food. However, they face increasing challenges due to global competition and climate change. That is why today we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes agriculture more attractive, more resilient and more sustainable.”
In this context, the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project is presented as an alternative aligned with the new European policies. Funded 60% by the LIFE program, this project develops natural biofumigants for the control of pests such as whitefly and botrytis in greenhouse horticultural crops. With a budget of 2,758,921.01 euros, it seeks to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and promote a more sustainable and safer agriculture for the environment and public health.
Impact on regulation and sustainability
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN contributes to the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides and is in line with the Farm to Fork strategy, which promotes agricultural practices that respect biodiversity and the environment. The European Commission will assess in 2025 the impact of these regulations on the competitiveness of the European agricultural sector and its legislative framework.
For more information on the European Commission’s roadmap: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_530 For more information on LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: life-nextfumigreen – Fumihogar
