Factsheets: impacts of pesticides & citizens’ demands for pesticide reduction

The European food production relies heavily on the use of dangerous chemicals. Everyday, we are exposed to a cocktail of pesticide residues. Not only are they present in our fields and food, but also in dust and water. They are designed to kill insects, fungi and undesirable plants, but what do is far more harmful: they are destroying Europe’s habitats and species – crucial to agriculture and food production -, they are poisoning our cells and organs.

Citizens across Europe have been raising the alarm. The broad demand for pesticide reduction is shown in EU panels, barometers, opinion polls and official citizens initiatives – yet the EU has so far failed to grasp the urgency to act.

In collaboration with Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe, our series of factsheets presents key, concise points into the urgent need to phase out pesticides – and how to achieve a pesticide-free future.