The EU is one of the world’s largest producers of cereal grain crops. Around half of the EU’s arable land is utilised for cultivating cereals, covering an area nearly as large as the country of France. In contrast, the area allocated to vegetable farming is equivalent in size to Slovenia, the third smallest EU Member State.
This figure shows the detection rates in grains and grain products. The differences between samples are striking: For example, residues were found in 10% of Emmer grain and rye - and in almost 90% of wheat bread and rolls.
Common pesticides used in cereal production include Chlormequat, Pirimiphos-methyl, Piperonyl butoxide, and Glyphosate.
Pesticide-free cereal production is possible and is already happening in Europe. Migros in Switzerland promotes pesticide-free production through various projects in collaboration with IP Suisse (Swiss Association of Integrated Production Farmers).
Four to six times – this is how often cereal crops are treated with various pesticides during their growth cycle.
The vision of foodwatch is to eliminate pesticides from agriculture as soon as possible. Why? Because the use of pesticides poses health risks and threatens the food supply in the long run due to its effects on pollinators and ecosystems.
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