The lack of harmonization of active substances authorization within the European Union (EU) is causing significant concern among Spanish farmers, as highlighted by ASAJA Almería. This regulation disparity diminishes Spain's competitive edge not only against non-EU countries but also within the EU market.
The EU has established a common framework for authorizing active substances through Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. This regulation aims to assure the safe and sustainable use of plant protection products, protecting both human health and the environment. Nevertheless, individual member states wield the authority to implement these regulations differently based on their specific agricultural policies and environmental concerns.
“The implementation of these standards varies from country to country, leading to different risk assessments and usage conditions, adversely affecting Spanish agricultural competitiveness,” said Adoración Blanque, president of the agricultural organization ASAJA Almería.
While Spain typically enforces stricter risk evaluation and usage conditions, countries such as France and Italy adopt more lenient policies, resulting in broader access to key plant protection products. For example, the insecticide Acramite 480 SC, which is effective against spider mites, is still permitted for use in Italy and France but has been removed from the Spanish market.
Similarly, the fungicide fluopyram is authorized for use in Spain but under stringent restrictions. Farmers can only apply it twice over two years when using drip irrigation on strawberries, along with limitations on applications near bodies of water. France and Italy, on the other hand, do not impose such restrictions, allowing their farmers greater flexibility.
This uneven regulatory framework creates dire economic consequences for Spanish farmers. The lack of suitable protection against pests and diseases results in severe losses, particularly for vulnerable crops such as vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Consequently, farmers are left with no option but to turn to more expensive or less effective alternatives, increasing operational costs and reducing crop quality and yield.
Data from the agricultural sector underlines the significance of these issues. Spain is the top producer of fruits and vegetables within the EU, with production exceeding 28 million tons annually. The horticultural sector alone accounts for 60% of the total production value. Recent reports indicate agricultural exports surpassed €64 billion, with the EU comprising 75% of this market.
Despite the importance of using plant protection products to mitigate pest-related production losses, Spanish farmers find themselves operating under stringent regulations. Without effective tools to counteract threats, total agricultural production can drop by as much as 40% if pests remain unchecked.
To address these discrepancies, ASAJA Almería calls upon European authorities to establish equitable standards for authorizing and regulating active substances across the EU. “The lack of coordinated policy not only threatens the competitiveness of Spanish agriculture but also jeopardizes the sustainability of thousands of farms,” noted Blanque.
The association proposes several measures for achieving fairer regulation, including:
- Unification of evaluation criteria for plant protection products across EU member states, ensuring consistent regulatory practices.
- Establishing a European regulatory body to oversee and enforce uniform regulations.
- Enhancing transparency and expedience during the approval processes for active substances.
- Reviewing unjustified restrictions adversely impacting Spanish farmers.
These strategies are outlined as necessary steps to reform the current regulatory framework and facilitate greater equality among European producers.
Indeed, the disjointed regulation of plant protection products within the EU has become a structural problem requiring immediate solutions. The harmonization of standards is not merely beneficial; it is imperative for providing Spanish farmers with fair access to necessary agricultural tools, enabling them to compete on equal footing with their European counterparts.
ASAJA Almería assured it would continue advocating for these changes, urging the European Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture to heed the needs of the agricultural sector and work diligently for equitable farming conditions across Europe.