Consumption of Plant Protection Products as an Indicator of Agriculture Intensity – A Case Study of Low Risk Active Substances

Reduction of the volume of plant protection products consumed in agriculture is mentioned frequently in the European Union. It is an important aim of the European Green Deal. Consequently, the volume of plant protection products was set as one of Harmonized Risk Indicators of from Farm to Fork Strategy to quantify the progress in reducing the risks linked to pesticides. In 2020 the Commission decided to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% before 2030. At the beginning of 2024, the Commission decided that it was necessary to continue discussions on the subject. Therefore, the consumption of plant protection products will very likely remain the topic under discussion. The volume of plant protection products consumed in agriculture is being used as an indicator of agriculture intensity not only in the European Union, but also around the world. Is however the indicator clear and reliable? The paper focuses on the topic using low-risk active substances approved in the European Union as the example.