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The safety of the food chain must be guaranteed from its roots, i.e. from plant protection, which is why the professional up-to-dateness of plant healthcare specialists is not only a scientific but also a social interest, said István Nagy at the 70th Plant Protection Science Days event at the Budapest campus of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The Agriculture Minister pointed out that the cooperation of plant protection specialists and the combined application of integrated pest management methods ensure the production of healthy food while protecting the environment. In this process, the knowledge of plant healthcare specialists is of particular importance. “The world is changing day by day and therefore plant protection experts need to respond to social and climatic challenges. Precision crop protection must be based on both biological and chemical solutions,” he added.

The minister pointed out that

the use of pesticides in Hungary has been below the EU average for years.

At the same time, he said, he was convinced that while reducing emissions, the country’s crop safety must be preserved. Therefore, the focus should not only be on reducing the quantity, but also on reducing the risks of pesticide use. Thus, particular attention should be paid to the widespread practical implementation of integrated pest management. István Nagy considers it a major achievement that in line with the Hungarian position, the European Commission has withdrawn its draft regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products.

Fact

After weeks of protests by farmers dissatisfied with EU environmental regulations, the European Commission announced on February 6, 2024 that it was withdrawing its proposal to cut pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030. The Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) aimed to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the EU by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use, and envisioned the prohibition of these products in sensitive areas, such as urban green spaces. The draft was first tabled in June 2022, and was put to a vote in the European Parliament last year, where it was rejected. According to the protesting farmers and several member states, the draft was created in a completely unprofessional way, without consulting agriculture and without taking into account security of supply issues.

Government Working on GMO-Free Agriculture
Government Working on GMO-Free Agriculture

The Agriculture Minister noted that nature conservation programs can only be successful if partners are found.Continue reading

Via MTI, Featured image: Pixabay


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