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Greenpeace measurements show how pesticides are distributed far beyond their place of use.
The environmental protection organization Greenpeace has carried out a study on the so-called air transport of pesticides. In 2019, pesticides were measured on four organically grown farms for approximately six months; they were used on conventional farms and flown from there.
Chemical-synthetic substances do not remain in their place of use, but are sometimes transported for several kilometers.
A total of 25 pesticides against fungi, weeds or insects were detected, including problematic substances according to Greenpeace. Alexandra Gavilano, Head of Agriculture at Greenpeace Switzerland, says: “Chemical-synthetic substances do not remain where they are used, but are sometimes transported for several kilometers.” The air transport of pesticides also poses a “considerable health risk” and an environmental hazard to Greenpeace.
To the current Greenpeace study:
Economic danger for organic farmers
For affected organic farms, these pesticides pose an economic threat, says Greenpeace. David Herrmann, Bio Suisse media manager, confirms: “The consequences can be dramatic in individual cases. If the limit values we have set are exceeded, organic farmers have to sell their products as conventional products. “Of course, at significantly lower prices.
If the limit values we have set are exceeded, organic farmers have to sell their products as conventional products.
Based on its measurements, Greenpeace calls for national monitoring that constantly records how pesticides are distributed in the air. Studies are also needed to determine whether diseases such as Parkinson’s or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) occur more often than average in regions with high levels of pesticide use. Also, organic farmers who have to devalue their produce must be compensated for the financial loss.
The Federal Office of Agriculture says that the phenomenon of air freight is known and that measures already exist: “Where necessary, safety distances are established for the use of affected products so that settlement areas, rivers, etc. are not in danger”. As part of the new agricultural policy AP22 +, the Federal Council also wants to introduce a general drift limit, “regardless of the products used and the location of the plot”.
Therefore, when necessary, safety margins are established for the use of affected products, so that settlement areas, rivers, etc., are not in danger.
Lucius Tamm of the Research Institute for Organic Agriculture (FiBL) notes, however, that there is an important finding from the new studies: “What is new is that it has been underestimated that pesticides are transported relatively widely.”
“The evidence alone says nothing”
Regarding Greenpeace’s statement that pesticide air transport is dangerous to people and the environment, the Federal Office for Food and Veterinary Safety writes: “Detection of a substance alone says nothing about any harmful effects. “. When pesticides are approved, the risks to local residents are taken into account. The method used guarantees a high level of health protection.
FiBL’s Lucius Tamm views this with less optimism. Very little is known about the consequences of all these pesticides for the population: “But there is growing concern about the effect of cocktails, that is, multiple residues, even if they are produced in very low concentrations.” That is why several studies are being carried out in Switzerland and the EU. The federal government is also measuring levels of pesticides in the air and water. The results should be available in 2021.
