The European Union (EU) is considering lifting a ban on aerial pesticide spraying, allowing the use of drones for more precise application. Experts, however, caution that this could lead to increased pesticide use in agriculture. The proposal aims to enable drones to scan fields, identify affected areas, and apply herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides selectively, potentially reducing overall pesticide use. This initiative is part of the EU's Omnibus X legislative package, which seeks to simplify food and feed safety regulations and aims to halve chemical use in plant protection by 2030.
Historically, the EU has prohibited aerial pesticide spraying, with exceptions for challenging terrains like steep vineyards. The European Council approved the Omnibus X package in May, which would change this regulation. Thomas Daum, an agricultural economist at the University of Gothenburg, noted that while drones can offer more precise spraying compared to traditional methods, they do not inherently reduce pesticide usage.
Daum expressed concerns that the flexibility of drone use might lead to more frequent applications of pesticides. He highlighted the risk of a technological lock-in, where efficient application methods could increase reliance on chemical treatments. The Omnibus X package also proposes changes to the approval process for pesticides, which has drawn criticism from researchers.
Carsten Brühl, a biologist at the Rheinland-Pfalz Technical University, criticized the package as a "deregulation package" that could allow harmful substances to remain on the market longer. Currently, pesticides are approved for 10 years, with a review process that has led to the disapproval of 59 substances deemed harmful since 2011. The proposed changes could extend the review period and reduce the frequency of reassessments, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Brühl emphasized the importance of the precautionary principle, which advocates for proactive measures to prevent harm to people and nature. He noted that the scientific understanding of pesticide risks is incomplete and that regular reassessments are crucial for ensuring safety. Brühl is skeptical that the new legislation will lead to reduced pesticide use, particularly with fungicides that require preventive application.
He advocates for integrated pest management, a sustainable approach that minimizes pesticide use and focuses on natural pest control methods. This approach is enshrined in German law and emphasizes using chemical pesticides only as a last resort. Despite the potential benefits of drone technology, Brühl warns that the narrative surrounding pesticide necessity for food security overlooks the vulnerabilities created by monocultures and disrupted ecosystems.
The article was originally published in German.