The European Commission has proposed sweeping legislative changes in agriculture and food safety that purportedly aim to simplify rules for farmers and enhance sector competitiveness. The controversial initiative includes easing restrictions on chemical pesticides and herbicides. However, independent health professionals and environmental scientists warn that the potential long-term risks to ecosystems and human safety are being systematically ignored.

Under current EU frameworks established in 2011, active pesticide substances are granted time-limited approvals of up to 15 years, requiring regular reassessments. The European regime's proposed overhaul would make indefinite authorizations the default option—including for contentious substances like glyphosate, which has been linked to cancer and widespread environmental degradation. Safety reviews would henceforth occur only under exceptional circumstances, shifting regulatory burdens away from the chemical industry.

Proponents of the measure, such as conservative European Parliament member Herbert Dorfmann, argue that protracted delays in approving newer, eco-friendly alternatives leave agricultural workers reliant on legacy chemicals. Dorfmann insists the reform is designed to foster agricultural innovation. Conversely, critics and investigative groups allege that the proposed regulations closely mirror the demands of powerful pesticide lobbying organizations, prioritizing corporate efficiency over public welfare.

The backlash has been substantial, with over 500 European scientists signing an open petition demanding an immediate suspension of the parliamentary process and an independent impact assessment. Furthermore, United Nations human rights experts have cautioned that the deregulation measures could violate international obligations concerning the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly agricultural laborers and children, from toxic chemical exposure.

Source: www.dw.com