Indicator 2.53 Use and risk of chemical pesticides

The indicator monitors the trends in the use and risk of chemical pesticides in the EU and its Member States. The use of pesticides entails risks and impacts on human health and the environment. The indicator is based on the quantities of chemical active substances contained in the pesticides which are placed on the market (sold), and therefore used, in each Member State, and the hazard properties of these active substances. The data are presented as an index relative to the average results for the period 2015 to 2017.

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 2 on ending hunger and malnutrition, which is embedded in the European Commission’s 2024-2029 Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: Food security, water and nature’. SDG 2 aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Sustainable and resilient food production systems are a key factor in achieving this goal. The EU “Zero Pollution Action Plan” aims to reduce by 50 % the use and risk of chemical pesticides and the use of more hazardous pesticides, by 2030.

Calculation based on the quantities of chemical active substances that are approved as candidates for substitution in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, contained in the plant protection products which are placed on the market in plant protection products each year reported under Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and provided according to Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009.

Reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50 % by 2030 compared to a three-year baseline (average for the period 2015 to 2017)