Over-use of pesticides in agriculture – a look at regulation versus practice

Several groups brought the French state to court over a lack of environmental regulation enforcement. The case centers on the excessive use of chemical pesticides in agriculture. While their use is regulated, it was demonstrated that chemical pesticides are being used beyond permissible levels. The non-governmental organizations (NGOs) filing the complaint cited concern for the 75% decrease in the insect population and 30% decrease in bird populations in the last thirty years alone (not to mention the impact of excessive residual chemicals in the environment on humans). The agricultural sector argued that there was no guarantee that only pesticides were responsible for the population declines and that the use of these chemicals ensures food security.

Both positions have a significant impact on human and environmental health outcomes.

https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230602-environmental-groups-sue-french-state-over-use-of-pesticides

Eventually, the court ruled in favor of the NGOs and acknowledged that lack of oversight on the part of the French state has resulted in damage to the environment, biodiversity, and groundwater. It set a target of mid-2024 to correct the issue.

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/environment/article/2023/06/29/pesticides-court-condemns-french-state-for-failing-to-protect-biodiversity_6039590_114.html

Regulation does not imply compliance. Successful policy is not a passive, autocratic process, and it can be resource intensive.

Enforcement is a key element of any regulatory effort, and it requires time, funding, human resources and follow-up if it is to achieve its aims. Likewise, community acceptance is a critical factor in the success of any program that aims to curb existing practices. Regulation should be considered with the needs of the affected communities in mind to find an acceptable compromise as part of an ongoing improvement process, understanding and acknowledging their concerns and constraints. When the aims of a policy are not adequate to garner sufficient support, providing alternative products or practices, or demonstrating how the policy will create a minimal disruption to regularly expected outcomes will help ease transitions and gain broader approval. While this requires additional resources and effort as well, investing in community support can reduce the costliness of enforcement efforts and can make a program more efficient.

In this particular case, there is an economic incentive as well – more calculated, precise use of pesticides reduces overhead and running costs for farmers.

- Mark Anderson