When we think about European countries that use the most pesticides, Spain often comes to mind. However, the reality is more complex and startling.
For years, the issue of pesticide use has raised concerns in many countries. While these plant protection products help safeguard crops from insects and diseases, their excessive use can have harmful consequences for the environment and the health of both farmers and consumers.
The European Union is paying close attention to this issue, often creating tension between farmers and consumers. To curb pesticide usage, some countries have implemented ambitious plans. For example, France launched the Écophyto plan in 2008, aiming to cut pesticide use in half by 2018. Unfortunately, this goal was not achieved. By 2020, pesticide sales in France remained nearly the same as in 2010, with around 65,000 tonnes sold, compared to 56,000 in Italy and 48,000 in Germany.
However, these figures don’t tell the full story. They reflect the total volume of pesticide sales but not the actual usage per hectare. Spain, France, Italy, and Germany reported the highest volumes of pesticide consumption in the EU in 2021, mainly because they are the largest agricultural producers. Spain, often criticized for its pesticide use, is a major agricultural country.
It’s crucial to differentiate between the total amount of pesticides sold and their use per hectare, as the latter gives a clearer picture of the chemical pressure on the soil and crops in each country.
On the other hand, some Nordic countries, like Denmark (1.2 kg/ha) and especially Sweden (0.73 kg/ha), stand out for their efforts to reduce pesticide use while maintaining effective agricultural practices. Lithuania (1.12 kg/ha) and Slovakia (1.21 kg/ha) also fare well in this regard. But Romania uses the least amount of pesticides per hectare, with just 0.62 kg/ha.
France aligns with the European average at 3.7 kg/ha, though there are significant regional disparities, with some areas using far less than others. However, it’s the Netherlands that tops the list, with 10.9 kg of pesticides per hectare. Known for its tulips, windmills, and greenhouses, the country’s small size and high-yield agriculture contribute to its intensive pesticide use.
The surprises don’t end there. Right behind the Netherlands are Cyprus (9.22 kg/ha), Malta (8.09 kg/ha), Ireland (7.07 kg/ha), and Belgium (6.42 kg/ha). Often seen as green and environmentally conscious, Ireland and Belgium are actually significant users of pesticides per hectare. Italy (5.38 kg/ha), Portugal, and Spain (4.59 kg/ha) follow, all with usage levels above the European average.
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 04:52:00
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