The European Commission is drafting a plan to impose tougher trade rules on pesticides and animal welfare, aiming to prevent banned chemicals from reentering the EU through imports and ensure livestock standards align with EU regulations.
Maria Simon Arboleas and Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro report for Euractiv.
In short:
- The Commission's draft roadmap seeks to align production standards for imported food with EU rules, particularly on pesticide use and animal welfare.
- A proposed task force would strengthen import controls, and a long-delayed review of animal welfare laws would push for stricter compliance from non-EU producers.
- The plan includes measures to boost access to biopesticides and ensure farmers are not forced to sell below cost.
Key quote:
“The Commission will pursue, in line with international rules, a stronger alignment of production standards applied to imported products, notably on pesticides and animal welfare.”
— European Commission draft document
Why this matters:
Pesticide regulations and animal welfare standards shape global trade and food safety. The EU has banned several hazardous pesticides, yet residues still appear in imports, raising health concerns. Stricter trade rules could protect consumers and level the playing field for European farmers but may spark tensions with trading partners. Ensuring fair pay for farmers and encouraging sustainable practices are also key goals as policymakers navigate economic and environmental challenges.
Related: Op-ed: If Bayer really wanted to stand with farmers, it would stop selling them toxics
