Cherry growers lax on pesticide regulations

Inspections by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) revealed that less than half of cherry growers comply with regulations for the use of exempted pesticides. Of the 30 inspected businesses applying Exirel and Tracer to combat the spotted wing drosophila, only 12 were fully compliant. The remaining 18 were found to have violated the rules, particularly concerning measures to prevent spray drift. The NVWA has filed reports, which could result in fines or warnings.

Exemptions with strict conditions

Since 2015, annual exemptions have been granted for Exirel and Tracer in fruit cultivation. These pesticides are essential in combating the spotted wing drosophila but come with stringent application conditions to protect the environment, including bees and aquatic organisms. In 2024, these conditions were further tightened. For instance, Exirel may only be reused on the same plot in the third calendar year following the last application.

Alarmingly low compliance rates

The compliance figures are strikingly low. Only 40% of businesses using Exirel or Tracer adhered to the conditions. Even more concerning, just 23% of the 30 inspected growers complied with all laws and regulations regarding pesticide use. Alongside cherry growers, the NVWA is also inspecting blueberry growers. The results of these inspections will be published soon.

These findings underscore the importance of strict oversight and compliance in fruit cultivation. The use of pesticides remains a delicate balance between effective pest control and environmental protection.

Nvwa.nl