Скачать или смотреть The Impact of Pesticides on Farmworkers and Rural Communities

Webinar "The Impact of Pesticides on Farmworkers and Rural Communities" hosted by MEP Maria Arena (S&D) in collaboration with Pesticide Action Network Europe.

Speakers:
MEP Maria Arena
Martin Dermine, PAN Europe
Marieta F. Fernandez, University of Granada
Fabienne Goutille, University of Bordeaux
Jobien Wind, Parkinson's disease association
Konstantinos C. Makris, Cyprus University of Technology

This webinar aims to shed light on the effects of pesticide use on the health and well-being of farmworkers and residents in rural areas. This should be an important factor in the ongoing discussions on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation (SUR) proposal.

Parkinson’s disease is on the rise, specialists speak of a Parkinson’s Pandemic. Farmers, farm workers and rural citizens are the first to suffer the harmful effects of pesticides. We welcome the Commission’s regulation proposal to reduce pesticide risk and use, including more hazardous pesticides. With more ambition this Regulation can become a fundamental step in safeguarding the health of farm workers and residents of rural areas.

The current EU pesticide authorization system looks good in theory, but a number of evidence show there are many loopholes. Scientific evidence highlights the dangers associated with pesticide exposure, linking it to various health concerns, such as cancer, respiratory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Children in farming families or residing in agricultural areas are particularly vulnerable.

The SUR is a crucial component needed to advance towards a safer agricultural production model that prioritizes the well-being of farm workers and the general public, especially our children. This angle of the Regulation Proposal has unfortunately received insufficient attention.

The webinar will feature four scientific experts who will share their research to raise awareness about the impact of pesticides on health. Our aim is to urge decision-makers to take action. Failing to deliver a strong SUR will hinder Europe’s efforts to put the protection of the health of its citizens first.