Evaluation findings:

The evaluation found that the internal and external coherence of the sustainable use of pesticides (SUD) with other EU policies and instruments is generally strong, with no major inconsistencies or overlaps. The objectives of the SUD were, and still are, highly relevant to address the risks that pesticide use poses to the environment and human health. However, the SUD has only been moderately effective. Weaknesses identified by the Commission and others concern the implementation and enforcement of integrated pest management (IPM), and the limited effectiveness of Member State national action plans (NAPs). Many Member States do not set quantitative targets or indicators in their NAPs to promote the sustainable use of pesticides or better protect human health and the environment. There is also no effective monitoring system, which has resulted in limited data on the use of pesticides. This has made it difficult to reach a conclusion on the extent to which the SUD has protected human health and the environment from the adverse effects of pesticides. Previously introduced measures under the CAP were not able to incentivise farmers to achieve the more sustainable use of pesticides.

Which objective(s) does the Commission pursue?

Chemical pesticides contribute to biodiversity decline. The European Green Deal aims to reduce both the use of chemical pesticides and the risk they present. The Farm to Fork strategy sets EU targets to reduce the use of – and risk from – pesticides by 50% by 2030. The current Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive does not reflect these ambitions. It has not kept up with technological progress and is failing to achieve effective sustainable use of pesticides. Implementation of the Directive is also uneven and incomplete. Member States could do more to promote alternative, non-chemical methods of pest control. Many have not set national targets to cut the use of and risk from pesticides.

The specific objective of the Commission proposal is to protect biodiversity, the environment and health by reducing the use of chemical pesticides – and the risk from these pesticides – across the EU. The Commission proposal also aims to improve data gathering on the use of pesticides and to support alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Micro-enterprises are not exempted from this proposal given the importance of uniform implementation of measures to reduce both the use of pesticides and the risk they pose to human health and the environment.

This proposal is in line with a digital-ready policy by promoting electronic record-keeping and online publication of trends in progress towards meeting:

(i) pesticide-reduction targets;

(ii) implementation of NAPs;

(iii) annual progress and implementation reports;

(iv) Commission recommendations; and

(v) Member State responses.

Relevant provisions for cost-efficient, user-centric and interoperable digital services will be considered in implementing rules for the electronic registers that will be created as a result of the proposal.