On Wednesday 13 April 2016, Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Consumer Protection, Fernand Etgen, presented the country's pesticides reduction programme in line with the Luxembourg phytosanitary law of 19 December 2014 stipulating that the government must adopt a new action plan aimed at reducing pesticide use.
Based on the EU directive, the main objectives of the pesticides reduction programme are to bring down the use of pesticides, initially through generalised farming systems and reducing the use of such products in order to eliminate the risks to humans and the environment. The main purpose is predominantly to ensure the safety and protection of the population and the country's flora and fauna.
To this end, measurable goals with fixed measures have been established. Specific indicators will be used to verify and monitor the objectives in greater detail. For example, the sale of plant protection products will become a lot more regulated, with dsitributors expected to maintain a register with data on quantities placed on this market. Distributors and individuals using these products will be required to possess a certificate, valid for a period of seven years, attesting to their training to use these products.
Plant protection waste management includes Superdreckskëscht for hosuehold waste and for business waste the disposal of empty containers will be possible through the annual collection conducted by AgriRecover.
Every five years the plan will be reviewed and potentially adapted to emerging requirements.
Photo by MAVPC
