In January 2019, the European Union approved the new maximum limits for pesticides in olive groves, as well as in other crops. To this end, the regulation governing this matter (396/2005) has been amended, which shows that this legislation is in full evolution.
This new ordinance will be applicable from next August 13, 2019 for all crops, with the exception of table olives, olives for oil, barley and oats, whose implementation start date of the new regulations is brought forward to February 13, 2019. In this new blog we have collected some aspects to take into account in this regard.
What determines the maximum pesticide limit in olive groves?
Althoughpesticides are necessary and beneficial to crops, the maximum concentration of pesticide residues permitted for legal use on the surface or inside of food products is known as the maximum residue limit (MRL). This metric is used for both human consumption and animal feed.
It should be borne in mind that pesticides are toxic substances. if they are not used under the right conditions. For this reason, administrations created the MRL, seeking to ensure that its use does not affect consumption. This limit is intended to achieve the following objectives:
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Control the use of phytosanitary products in different types of crops.
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Consumer protection.
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Facilitate trade.
Sources where to go to learn about the new regulations
For a detailed reading of the modifications of the Regulation 396/2005 which affects the maximum pesticide limits in olive groves, the following regulations can be consulted:
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/88 of 18 January 2019 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels in certain products.
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Commission R. (EU) 2019/89 of 18 January 2019 amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for bromadiolone, etofenprox, paclobutrazol and penconazole in certain products.
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/90 of 18 January 2019 amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for bromuconazole, carboxin, fenbutatin oxide, fenpyrazamine and pyridaben in certain products.
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/91 of 18 January 2019 amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for buprofezin, diflubenzuron, ethoxysulfuron, ioxynil, molinate, picoxystrobin and tepraloxydim in certain products.
In AJF we are aware that the legislation that regulates the maximum limits of pesticides in the olive grove is always including new developments and changes to improve the management of the entire sector. That is why we will have to be attentive to the fact that, in future months, new legislation on this matter may be approved. We will keep you informed of any issue affecting this matter.
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