In the context of the EU review programme for existing active substances, certain plant protection products previously relied upon by farmers and growers may no longer be available. The review programme is intended to ensure that existing plant protection products used in the EU meet the same high standards as newly approved plant protection products in relation to consumer and environmental protection.
The European Commission, subject to achieving the agreement of the European Parliament for the approach proposed, is putting arrangements in place to ensure the continued availability of plant protection products for essential uses of such products, pending the development and authorisation of alternative treatments.
Representatives of farmers and growers and other relevant organisations including Teagasc and An Bord Glas were asked to identify uses considered essential. Individual plant protection companies are being encouraged by my Department to generate and submit the necessary data to support the authorisation of newer plant protection products for such uses.
