Directive 2009/128/EC, which establishes a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, was the main item discussed during a consultation session organised by the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) in collaboration with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA)

During his opening speech, Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue, emphasised the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity whilst protecting human and environmental health. Indeed, the Directive focuses on plant protection products and its aim is to reduce the potential damage caused by pesticides. It instructs member states to adopt National Action Plans aimed at reducing the risk from pesticides and also imposes obligations related to training, information and awareness raising. These will be focused on all aspects related to pesticides including pesticide application equipment; specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water; reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas; handling and storage of pesticides and treatment of their packaging and remnants.

The National Action Plan which member states must adopt should aim to promote alternative methods to reduce the dependency on the use of pesticides. Such methods include organic farming and Integrated Pest Management. The latter entails natural pest control mechanisms, following an approach based on the balance in agro-ecosystems and keeping the pesticide intervention levels as low as possible. The plan should also provide indicators to monitor the use of plant protection products containing active substances of particular concern.

Training and certification schemes for all professional users of pesticides should be set up. The Assoċjazzjoni tal-Bdiewa (ATB) said that the association is already preparing Maltese farmers to be in conformity with the directive. In fact the association offers training courses on the sustainable use of pesticides. These forty hour courses are 75% co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Another obligation imposed by the directive is that distributors of pesticides must provide, in writing, the correct information about the risks and safety instructions related to the use of pesticides. Micro-distributors who sell their products to non-professionals can be exempted, but only if they don’t sell any formulation of pesticides classified as toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. Nevertheless, the directive provides for measures to inform the general public on the health and environmental hazards relating to pesticide use and on the possibilities of switching to non-chemical alternatives. Furthermore, the Directive requires that inspections of equipment should be carried out regularly; moreover, the Directive reinforces specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water as laid out in the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) which lays down specific requirements regarding pesticides.

This open consultation session was attended by various stakeholders including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government entities, farm advisory services, producer organisations, cooperatives, distributors of pesticides, as well as the general public. Commenting on the session, Greenhouse, an environmental NGO, said that they were pleased that relevant stakeholders were present and participated actively in such a meeting. They said that Greenhouse favours the approach adopted by the MCCAA especially with regards to the promotion of the use of alternative pest management which gives priority to non-chemical methods and practices. They believe that it is certainly a step in the right direction. They also praised the fact that the MCCAA intends to consult the stakeholders for a second time once the National Action Plan is ready.

This directive must be transposed into Maltese law by December 2011. The National Action Plan must be presented to the European Commission by December 2012 and will be revised every five years. The European Commission will submit regular reports to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress made by the member states in implementing the Directive.

The consultation process within MEUSAC is facilitated through Core Group meetings, Sectoral Committee meetings and open consultations. Membership to the Sectoral Committees is open to all civil society organisations. Voice your opinion, make a difference, be informed and tap EU funds by contacting MEUSAC on [email protected] or phone 2200-3300. Further information can be found on www.meusac.gov.mt

Kurt Formosa is Executive

(EU Policy and Legislation), Meusac