Cypriot scientists are calling for stricter supermarket controls and the prescription of pesticides by licensed agronomists, as debate intensifies over two European Commission initiatives that critics say could weaken the EU’s long-standing ban on harmful pesticides.
Environmental organisations and scientists describe the proposed changes as a “Trojan horse” in the name of economic gain.
The first issue concerns the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, expected to be ratified, which includes tariff reductions between the EU and the South American trade bloc. Farmers strongly oppose the agreement, arguing that it will “flood” the market with cheaper alternatives and cause incalculable damage to their livelihoods.
The second concerns a European Commission package aimed at simplifying food and feed legislation, which promotes scrapping the requirement for periodic renewal of most pesticide approvals in the EU. Under the proposal, substances would only be reassessed when there are justified scientific reasons.
Brussels argues that the reform could save approximately €1 billion in compliance costs and enhance the competitiveness of the European agricultural sector. Environmental organisations, however, warn of a “decades-long setback” in food safety and environmental protection.
Threats against scientists
Concerns about the Mercosur agreement focus on the potential import of harmful products from Latin America. The argument, also adopted by Cypriot farming organisations, centres on pesticides currently banned in the EU because they are harmful to human health and the environment.
“Banned substances are cheaper than European ones and more effective at eliminating crop pests. But they are extremely dangerous to human health,” said Dr Makris.
As coordinator of the Special Interest Group on Pesticides and Health, under the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, Dr Makris relayed concerns raised by Latin American colleagues. Scientists in countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica are studying the health impacts of these harmful pesticides, amid protests over what has been described as “chemical colonialism”. As he noted, European countries produce these banned pesticides, which they do not sell within Europe because they are prohibited, but export to other regions.
According to Dr Makris, scientists in Latin America who attempt to document the harmful effects of such pesticides face serious obstacles. He cited the case of a professor in São Paulo whose colleague received death threats after conducting a relevant study and was forced to relocate to Europe. She now lives in France.
Mercosur Agreement and Import of Harmful Products
Currently, only one supermarket chain in Cyprus implements its own strict residue testing programme for products sold to consumers and maintains a transparent policy by publishing results, even though legislation does not require it. Within this framework, suppliers are informed that products exceeding specific pesticide thresholds will not be accepted.
The Health Services of the Ministry of Health also conduct periodic inspections and take action when excessive residue levels are identified.
These issues were highlighted by Associate Professor Menelaos Stavrinides of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science at the Cyprus University of Technology, during a conference in Nicosia organised jointly by the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health and the Pesticide Action Network Europe.
Professor Stavrinides stressed that the adoption of strict and transparent policies by companies could serve as a strong incentive to reduce pesticide use among Cypriot farmers. According to Eurostat data, Cyprus ranks among the highest EU member states in pesticide sales, at approximately 9 kilograms per hectare. In recent years, Cyprus has also ranked among the leading European countries for the percentage of fruit and vegetable samples exceeding maximum residue limits, with around 10 per cent found above permitted thresholds.
Prescribing pesticides
A second pillar of sustainable agriculture is accountability in pesticide use. Dr Stavrinides noted that the prevailing model in Cyprus allows farmers to purchase pesticides directly from retailers without the mediation of a licensed agronomist who could advise on necessity, dosage and sustainable alternatives.
He underlined the need for transparent, responsible and documented prescription by licensed agronomists. He also identified as a significant gap the absence of a national register for pesticide use at farm level linked to points of sale.
“Written prescription of pesticides would allow meaningful control of sales, significantly reducing unnecessary applications, which first and foremost harm farmers financially and additionally impact the environment and public health,” he said.
Entrenched culture
Professor Constantinos Makris of the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health described pesticide use in Cyprus as an entrenched culture cultivated over decades.
“It is very difficult to change this culture among farmers. With the pressure already created by water cuts, if you also raise pesticide issues, there will be resistance. A strategic and gradual transition is required so that farmers can move towards integrated agricultural systems in line with EU policies,” he said.
He clarified that this does not mean the complete elimination of pesticides, but rather their cautious and limited use. At the same time, the state should support farmers financially, as initial reductions in production may occur.
Health impacts
Dr Stavrinides explained that plant protection products are chemical substances used to protect crops from insects, fungi and other organisms. Since the 1940s, their use has led to significant increases in productivity. However, exposure has been linked to serious environmental and health impacts, including neurological disorders, various forms of cancer and reduced IQ in children.
Although agricultural workers face the highest exposure, pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables constitute an important exposure pathway for all consumers.
Regenerative agriculture
As a third approach, Dr Stavrinides highlighted the importance of educating Cypriot farmers in organic farming, regenerative agriculture and precision agriculture through smart technologies. Organic farming is gaining ground, rising from around 3 per cent in 2012 to approximately 9 per cent in 2023, according to European data.
The use of beneficial insects and smart technologies such as satellites, robotics, smart traps and targeted spraying systems could further reduce pesticide dependence.
Another key pillar is public awareness and consumer demand for products with residue levels below permitted limits.
Reasons for exceedances
According to Dr Stavrinides, pesticide residues exceeding legal limits are primarily due to improper practices, including failure to observe safety intervals between spraying and harvest, application of higher doses than those indicated on labels and use of pesticides not approved for specific crops.
“Action is imperative. One of the main objectives of the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy is to reduce pesticide use by 50 per cent by 2030. The target is ambitious but not impossible,” he concluded.