Agricultural trade is growing worldwide and with it an agricultural model and agricultural technologies stemming from the green revolution of the 1960s. We are talking about mechanization and the use of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Sales of pesticides have experienced tremendous growth in recent decades, especially in low income countries. All pesticides entering the market are specially designed and developed to act in a living organism, disrupting its vital functions, usually resulting in death. There is no question that their use has led to a series of disasters for humans and the environment. Moreover, it is because of their harmful effects on human health and of their impact on biodiversity and nature in general, their sale and use are controlled by numerous regulations.
Countries worldwide make use of different regulations regarding the use of pesticides. While the European Union banned several hazardous pesticides years ago, EU countries continue to produce and export them. In the Philippines a national prohibition on the import of certain dangerous pesticides such as Carbendazim doesn’t exist. In Palestine, it is prohibited to import pesticides forbidden for use in the country of origin for health or environmental reasons. Unfortunately, the formulated prohibitions aren’t being respected properly.
Civil society organizations worldwide are organizing campaigns that go against the inhumane practices of producing, exporting, importing and consuming hazardous pesticides. They ask their governments to take responsibility regarding the health of their workers, communities and consumers.
Speakers:
– Dr. Angeliki Lysimachou from PAN Europe
– Gi Estrada from UMA (Philippines)
– Patrick Dela Cueva from MASIPAG (Philippines)
– Ubai Aboudi from BISAN (Palestine)
– Wesam Ahmad from Al-Haq (Palestine)
Moderation: – Nicky Gabriëls from Viva Salud (Belgium)
Watch in English: