Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control pests, weeds and diseases. They are available in various forms such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and play a key role in ensuring crop yields and the quality of agricultural produce. Despite their benefits, there are significant concerns about their impact on the environment and human health, which has led to increased regulation and the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives. This text examines their use, the foods affected and BUND's position on pesticides. Read the latest news on pesticides from the Table.Briefings editorial team! What are pesticides? Pesticides are chemical or biological substances that are used to control pests, weeds and diseases in agriculture and horticulture. They include insecticides (against insects), herbicides (against weeds), fungicides (against fungi) and rodenticides (against rodents). Pesticides are used to minimize crop losses and ensure the quality of agricultural products. While they support food production, pesticides can also have negative effects on the environment and human health. For this reason, their use is regulated and environmentally friendly alternatives such as biological pest control and integrated pest management are increasingly being promoted. Where are pesticides used? Pesticides are mainly used in agriculture to safeguard crop yields and ensure the quality of produce. Pesticides are used in fields to control weeds, insects and fungal diseases. Pesticides are particularly common in the cultivation of fruit, vegetables and cereals to prevent pest infestation and protect plants from disease. Vegetables destined for the market are often treated with pesticides to ensure that they remain undamaged and visually appealing. In addition to agriculture, pesticides are also used in gardens, parks and public green spaces to control unwanted plants and pests. Pesticides also play an important role in forestry and viticulture. In Germany, there are strict regulations on the use of pesticides. Some substances that are still used in other countries are banned in Germany. Banned pesticides in Germany include those that have been classified as particularly harmful to the environment or pose a health risk. The use of banned pesticides in Germany is strictly regulated and there is an increased focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to minimize the negative impact on the environment and human health. This includes the use of biological pesticides and integrated pest management strategies. In which foods are pesticides most frequently detected? Pesticides in food are a common issue, especially in fruits and vegetables. Strawberries are known to contain high levels of pesticides. Pesticides in strawberries can cause side effects such as allergic reactions and long-term health problems. Cereals and products made from them, such as oatmeal, are also often contaminated with pesticides as they are regularly treated during cultivation. Pesticide-free black tea is particularly sought after, as conventional black tea often contains residues of these chemicals. Buckwheat, a popular gluten-free grain, can also have pesticide residues, although it tends to be less contaminated than conventional grains. In addition to strawberries, other fruits such as apples, grapes and peaches are often affected by pesticides. Vegetables such as peppers, spinach and tomatoes also frequently show pesticide contamination. Consumers can reduce the risk of pesticide ingestion by buying organic produce or washing and peeling carefully. It's important to pay attention to regularly updated reports and tests to stay informed and make healthy choices when grocery shopping. How are pesticides different from other protectants? Pesticides are chemical or biological substances used to control pests, weeds and diseases. They fall into several categories, including herbicides and insecticides. The difference between herbicides and pesticides is that herbicides are used specifically to control weeds, while pesticides are a broader category that also includes insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. Herbicides and pesticides differ in their specific area of application. Herbicides aim to eliminate unwanted plants that can affect the growth of crops. Insecticides, on the other hand, are a sub-category of pesticides and are used specifically to control insects that can damage plants or transmit diseases. The difference between pesticides and insecticides therefore lies in the fact that insecticides only combat one specific type of pest, whereas pesticides are a generic term for all pesticides. Pesticides and biocides also have different areas of application. Pesticides are mainly used in agriculture to protect crops, while biocides are used in non-agricultural areas, e.g. to disinfect surfaces or to control pests in households and public buildings. Both products are used to protect against harmful organisms, but in different contexts and with different target groups. What is BUND's position on pesticides? BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) takes a clear stance against the use of pesticides. It criticizes the widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture and points out the negative effects on the environment, biodiversity and human health. BUND calls for a drastic reduction in the use of pesticides and advocates alternative, environmentally friendly methods of plant protection. In particular, BUND emphasizes the need for a comprehensive ban on pesticides in nature conservation areas and calls for stricter legal regulations and a ban on particularly harmful pesticides. BUND also supports the promotion of organic farming, as this avoids the use of chemical pesticides and uses more sustainable cultivation methods. Through educational campaigns and political lobbying, BUND attempts to raise public awareness of the problem and promote a shift towards pesticide-free agriculture.
Pesticides: EU Commission considers unlimited authorization
The EU Commission is considering the unlimited authorization of pesticides — a proposal that has met with criticism from environmentalists and the Greens. Time limits would only apply to particularly hazardous substances.
By Julia Dahm