How Europe Can Become Pesticide-Free
29 Jan 2025
The European Union faces growing pressure to reduce pesticide use for the health of people, nature, and future generations. In response, 85+ organizations, Slow Food included, have come together to outline a clear roadmap to phase out pesticides across Europe. This article breaks down our key recommendations for creating a pesticide-free agricultural future that prioritizes human health, environmental sustainability, and fairness for farmers.

The widespread use of pesticides is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity, human health, and the future of sustainable food production. Scientists have been sounding the alarm: over 6,000 researchers recently called for drastic pesticide reduction, emphasizing that continuing on the current path is not an option.
Despite this, the European Union has struggled to take decisive action. Although the EU set targets to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030 as part of the Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, the key legislation to achieve this—the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR)—was abandoned in early 2024. Meanwhile, millions of EU citizens continue to demand a pesticide phase-out through petitions and European Citizen Initiatives.
In response, 85 organizations, Slow Food included, have developed a Roadmap for Pesticide Phase-Out, providing key demands and actionable steps for EU policymakers. This document advocates for a farming future that prioritizes human health, environmental protection, and a fair, secure future for farmers. With the upcoming EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, it is critical that these recommendations are reflected in future policies.
The roadmap’s recommendations to the EU include:
🔹 Set Clear Reduction Targets – Every EU country must commit to ambitious, measurable goals for cutting pesticide use and track progress transparently.
🔹 Support Farmers in the Transition – Provide better funding, training, and independent advice to help farmers adopt safer, nature-friendly practices.
🔹 Protect People & Nature – Ban pesticide use in public spaces, near schools, and in water protection areas to safeguard human health and ecosystems.
🔹 Ensure Fair Competition – Stop importing food that contains pesticide residues banned in Europe and end the export of dangerous pesticides to countries with weaker regulations.
🔹 Make Data Public & Transparent – Improve pesticide tracking, require public reporting, and use reliable indicators to measure progress.
🔹 Hold Polluters Accountable – Introduce a pesticide tax to fund farmer support programs and compensate those affected by pesticide exposure.
🔹 Stop Business as Usual – Implement and enforce existing EU pesticide laws effectively, instead of allowing harmful chemicals to stay on the market.
The evidence is clear: it is possible to produce food without relying on harmful pesticides. Many farmers, as noted by Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen during his confirmation hearing in November 2024, are eager to transition to more sustainable practices but need proper support and policies to make it viable. The EU must take urgent action to implement existing laws, strengthen pesticide regulations, and ensure fair conditions for farmers moving towards agroecological practices.
A pesticide-free future is necessary AND it is possible. Time for the EU to show leadership and make the transition a reality.
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