The European Union considers Bulgaria's measures to ensure sustainable pesticide use to be insufficient, according to a report by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) published on Monday 6 May.
Bulgaria's National Action Plan "lacks quantifiable targets for the reduction of risks and the impact of pesticide use," according to the FVO. This situation contravenes the requirements of Directive (2009/128/EC) establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. In addition, the Bulgarian National Action Plan has not been reviewed within a five year period, as required by the Directive.
"This makes it impossible to demonstrate progress towards meeting the objectives of the Directive," say EU experts.
Aerial spraying. The audit reports "serious weaknesses in the implementation of the Bulgarian measures." For example, no system has been put in place for pesticide application equipment testing.
Due to insufficient verification and limited or "non-existent" monitoring by the Bulgarian authorities, "no guarantee could be provided that aerial spraying" meets the conditions laid down in the Directive.
The certification and training of Plant Protection Products operators is another area where the level of implementation does not, according to the FVO, meet the requirements of the Directive. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)