The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has recently started the withdrawal process for herbicides belonging to the triazine family on maize and other crops. This decision carries heavy consequences for plant protection and maize growers.

 The political influence is obvious
This decision was taken inspite of the advice by " the Commission des Toxiques " on June 13 on the effects of water contamination by atrazine and in the absence of a consensus of " the Commission des antiparasitaires "on September 24. The first Commission found that atrazine concentrations in water could exceed the 0,1 microgramme per litre standard established for drinking water by the Commission. This standard was established at the time without taking into account product toxicity and is not in fact based on any scientific proof in any way. It also established that exceeding this regulatory threshold would not represent any hazard to human health or the environment.

 Proposals and commitments of the farming community and the agricultural professional industry have not been taken into account
When UIPP, companies and growers were informed about triazines reaching levels above European standards in water, real proposals have been made based on proven practice that would have helped to stay within the regulatory threshold. The measures that could have been taken, could have been to restrict rates (500g maximum), prevent any contact with water and suppress use in sensitive areas (near surface water, wells and excluding drained fields with circulating ditches).
These measures, when put into practice, allow to remain below the European standard of 0.1 microgramme per litre, as shown by results obtained on small or large slopes.
UIPP is of the opinion that banning these active substances is not a solution. Only good agricultural practice and specific measures like those proposed above, as well as taking care of the environment will improve water quality in the short and long term.

 Serious consequences for maize growers and maize
In taking this decision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries decides to penalize the whole economy of maize producing farms. These were already suffering from energy costs, environmental taxes and future taxes on water and nitrogen. The extra cost will average more than 23 euros per hectare, representing almost 69 Million euros if one considers all maize growers.