2nd November 2011
Brussels

Massive use of dangerous soil fumigant Metam based on loophole construction. Fifteen EU member states show no appetite for a transition to sustainable agriculture.

The documents show France is the main user of Metam, pumping 6,5 Million kg. of Metam in the soil, while Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands are also heavy users. UK and Italy failed to report the amount used.
The Council decision obliged the “15” to work seriously on alternatives, particularly by action plans, but no-one of the “15” started such a plan. Alternatives are readily available like a wider crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. The fact that 12 Member States do not need Metam makes it very likely the “essential use ” is unjustified.

Hans Muilerman of PAN Europe feels “the “15” EU Member States are not very serious on the transition to a sustainable agriculture and like to stick to outdated unsustainable practices like monocultures and killing off soil biodiversity. Commission will have trouble getting these “15” on board of Directive 128/2009/EC requiring every MS to implement sustainable practices by 2014.  Health Commissioner Dalli needs to act now”.

Mr. Dalli also soon needs to decide on a new application for Metam in a “fast-track” procedure in an attempt to legalise Metam.  PAN-Europe urges Mr. Dalli not to propose an approval in any way and adopt a policy to completely phase-out soil fumigants.       

Background notes:

Hans Muilerman, PAN Europe, hans@pan-europe.info,Tel: +31 (0)6-55807255.

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