French, Italian and Spanish growers say the proposed Omnibus Regulation poses a risk to the future of the sector
European apple and pear producers have rejected proposed new EU rules designed to streamline the authorisation process for plant protection products.
At a meeting in Piedmont this week, the Apple and Pear Contact Group – made up of representatives from the French, Italian and Spanish sectors – called the European Council’s proposed Omnibus Regulation “insufficient and detrimental to the future of the European sector”.
The group pointed out that controlling pests and diseases is becoming increasingly difficult due to the reduction in available active ingredients. It described the current proposal of the Omnibus Regulation, spearheaded by Cyprus, the current holder of the EU Council presidency, is “more restrictive” than the one initially put forward by the European Commission.
Spain, France, and Italy are calling for a number of improvements, including faster authorisation procedures; automatic zonal authorisations for plant protection products; effective mutual recognition between member states; the harmonisation of grace periods; and promotion of the use of new technologies, such as drones.
The group is calling for their respective governments to oppose the Cypriot presidency’s proposal at a vote of the European Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives scheduled for this Friday.
The Contact Group also stressed the importance of EU trade agreements including effective phytosanitary protocols, noting that without them, “agreements lose their real value, while obstacles persist in key markets such as China and Japan, hindering their opening”.
It also called for greater internal coordination within the EU regarding access to third-country markets through community harmonisation to remove the differences that currently exist between member states.
Other issues covered during the meeting were the impact of the war in the Middle East, which has led to increased costs, especially for fertilisers and logistics, and a decrease in consumer purchasing power; and the growing burden imposed on producers by private certification schemes from the large retailers.
The meeting concluded with a clear message from producers: European agricultural policy must move towards greater harmonisation and legislative coherence.
