EU takes the sting out of biodiversity losses with new deal for safeguarding pollinators

26 Jan 2023 --- The European Commission is sounding the alarm over the decline in wild pollinating insects in Europe and has come up with a new strategy to reverse the trend by 2030. The authorities have set their key priority in boosting pollinator conservation efforts and tackling the root causes of their decline, including mitigating pesticide use’s impact.

Today, one in three bees, butterflies and hoverflies species are disappearing across the EU, flags the Commission. This is concerning as around 80% of crop and wild-flowering plants depend on animal pollination, threatening agricultural production in the long term.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, argues that the new deal might inspire similar actions outside the bloc. 

“These small insects will define the future of nature and long-term food security. We need immediate, targeted actions to save pollinators because they are invaluable for our ecosystems, societies and economies.” 

“Farmers experience first-hand the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. We know that the decline of pollinators is a direct risk for agricultural productivity. There cannot be long-term food security without greater sustainability,” adds Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture.

Farmers and agri-cooperatives group Copa-Cogeca agrees with the Commission that there is a need for improved monitoring and reporting on the state of pollinators in the EU.

“Copa-Cogeca welcomes the new deal for pollinators initiative as the next step in improving the abundance of pollinators, wild and domestic, in the EU,” a spokesperson for the group tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

“Buzz Lines”
The authorities will make concrete conservation plans for threatened pollinator species in the near future. They will identify pollinators they should protect and work with EU nations to create a blueprint for “a network of ecological corridors for pollinators, or ‘Buzz Lines’.”

Furthermore, they will support pollinator-friendly farming under Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Moreover, the European Commission plans to introduce legal requirements for farmers to integrate pest management measures. The authorities are also analyzing the implementation of additional test methods for determining pesticide toxicity – including non-lethal and chronic effects on pollinators. 

The Commission flags the excessive use of pesticides as a key driver of pollinator loss and regards the reductions of pesticide use as “critical.”

The Commission flags the excessive use of pesticides as a key driver of pollinator loss.“We will continue to work hard to reduce pesticide use and minimize pollinator loss in the future,” flags Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

Research published last week by Trinity College Dublin together with Dublin City University found that bees may be at risk of exposure to glyphosate – an active ingredient most commonly used in weed killers from the EU – via contaminated wildflower nectar.

Other measures that the new deal will include will be the enhancement of pollinator habitats in urban areas and tackling climate change, alien species, biocides and light pollution.

The Commission will also support member states in developing national pollinator strategies.

Balancing act?
Copa-Cogeca welcomes the initiatives on improving ecological corridors for pollinators and the restoration of habitats in both urban and rural districts, according to the spokesperson.

“However, the technical, human and financial support for these ‘buzz lines’ and pollinator habitats will not for the foreseeable future solely come from the CAP budget, especially when it is clear that the eco-schemes that have been created thus far are not geared dominantly towards pollinator support,” underscores the spokesperson.

“Restoration of habitats and especially contiguous pollinator abundant corridors must be created only with the strict permission, cooperation and understanding of private landowners and land managers.”

“It is only with genuine local community-led co-design of all and any projects on the future of pollinator populations that success can be assured, and long-term. It is essential that this is remembered when EU plans are made, and EU plans are implemented, that it is farmers, foresters and land managers who are on the ground doing the hard work to continue to improve our biodiversity,” the spokesperson concludes.

Wojciechowski says that CAP strategic plans will support farmers as they transition to greener practices. 

“European citizens have been loud and clear in their demand for action to protect pollinators. Already, half of crops in the EU that depend on pollination face a deficit. Reducing and replacing chemical pesticides is absolutely necessary. Bees and butterflies must thrive again if we want European farmers to be prosperous in a healthy environment.”

The Commission has invited the European Parliament and Council to endorse its initiative.

By Marc Cervera