Brussels, 17/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 16 November, the EU Council of Ministers adopted, without debate, the new regulation on statistics on plant protection products, on the basis of a text agreed with the European Parliament under the conciliation procedure. The regulation establishes a common framework for the systematic production of Community statistics on the marketing and use of approved pesticides (phyto-pharmaceutical products). The statistics, together with other relevant data, will allow EU member states to establish national action plans with quantifiable objectives, targets, measures and timetables to reduce the risks and impact of pesticide use on human health and the environment. The targets may cover different areas of concern, for example, worker protection, protection of the environment, residues, use of specific techniques or use with specific crops. The statistics will also be sued to establish harmonised risk indicators as referred to in Annex IV of directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides. (L.C./transl.rt)