- European Commission adopts new measures to restrict dangerous 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, introducing new measures to reinforce the ban on hazardous pesticides in the European Union. Among these measures, the prohibition of re-importing products containing pesticides banned in the EU for health and environmental reasons stands out, along with an impact assessment of these regulations on the sector’s competitiveness.
Additionally, the Commission will analyze the export of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides banned in the EU, to align standards in imported products and improve animal welfare. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector in this context: “Our farmers take center stage in the EU’s food production system. It is thanks to their daily, hard work that all of us have safe and high-quality food. Yet, our farmers face the growing challenges of global competition and climate change. That is why today, we are offering a comprehensive strategy that makes farming more attractive, more resilient, and more sustainable.”
In this context, the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project presents itself as an alternative aligned with the new European policies. Funded 60% by the LIFE program, this project develops natural fumigants to control pests such as whiteflies and botrytis in greenhouse horticultural crops. With a budget of €2,758,921.01, it seeks to reduce dependency on chemical pesticides and promote more sustainable and safer agriculture for the environment and public health.
Regulatory and Sustainability Impact
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN contributes to the implementation of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides and aligns with the “Farm to Fork” strategy, promoting agricultural practices that respect biodiversity and the environment. The European Commission will evaluate 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
To learn more about LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: https://lifefumigreen.finnova.eu/