Campaigning against the use of pesticides

Lobbying against agricultural chemical use

Description

Campaigning against the use of pesticides involves coordinated actions to raise public awareness, advocate for policy changes, and promote safer alternatives to chemical pest control. The strategy aims to reduce health risks, environmental contamination, and biodiversity loss caused by pesticide use. Essential actions include disseminating information, mobilizing community support, lobbying decision-makers, and encouraging adoption of integrated pest management and organic farming practices as practical remedies to mitigate the harmful impacts of pesticides.

Implementation

The Netherlands uses more pesticides than any other country in the world. A protest has been continuing since 1990 against the use of pesticides in potato farming. In 1993, after a legal challenge, an agreement was reached between protesters and the Dutch organization of potato produces to gradually reduce the use of pesticides and to phase out disease-sensitive potato varieties. The campaign also achieved a threefold increase in the market share of organic potatoes.