In Switzerland, 2259 tons of pesticides were sold last year. That is 331 tonnes or 17 percent more than the year before. The reason for the increase, according to the federal government, was the large amount of rain, which promoted the spread of diseases, for example in the vines, fruit and potatoes.
In particular, the use of pesticides, which are also permitted in organic farming, has increased. In 2021, almost a third more biopesticides such as copper, sulfur or paraffin oil were sold. In total, this involved 1234 tonnes, more than half of all pesticides used. The sale of more organic than synthetic pesticides is a first.
Farmers are switching to more ecological means
The Federal Bureau of Agriculture (FOAG) explains this development by saying that many farmers would switch to non-synthetic products. This trend has been visible for several years.
The sales volume of synthetic pesticides was virtually the same as last year. Looking at both categories, many more fungicides and pests were used. Weed killer, on the other hand, was sprayed less.
The risks of pesticides must be reduced
In 2021, parliament has set itself the goal of reducing the risks of pesticides for surface water, groundwater and semi-natural habitats such as biotopes by 50 percent by 2027. Initial calculations by the BWL meanwhile show that the measures taken are having a ‘fortunate’ effect.
For example, the pesticide risk to groundwater could be halved compared to the period 2012 to 2015 because the use of water pollutants was reduced. So the goal has already been achieved. The risk to surface water has also been reduced, partly due to the renovation of washing areas for pesticide sprayers. However, the risk to near-natural habitats has not changed. From the beginning of next year, new measures will be introduced to reduce risks.
Not always on track
Although the development in terms of groundwater is very good, the direction of lakes, rivers and streams is “somewhat” good, BLW director Christian Hofer (50) summarizes the results. In biotopes, the buildings are ‘stripes’.
It is “going in the right direction”, he concludes. But to achieve the goal, you need to remain “demanding”. One problem is that there is still no real alternative, especially for insecticides. (SDA/lha)