Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to assist in the reduction of fertilizers and pesticides in the horticulture industries. [30035/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The application of both organic and chemical fertilizers has shown a decline in recent years as farmers have sought to use them more efficiently and economically. The high level of participation in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), which sets limits on fertilizer use, is also likely to have been a factor. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to give further effect to several EU Directives including Directives in relation to protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources (the Nitrates Directive), dangerous substances in water, waste management, protection of groundwater, public participation in policy development and water policy (the Water Framework Directive). The Regulations specify maximum levels for nitrogen and phosphorus in relation to most horticultural crops.

Regarding pesticides, the procedure for authorisation of a plant protection product by the Pesticide Control Service of my Department, includes an assessment of the minimum rate of application necessary to ensure effective control of a pest or disease. This rate is stated on the approved label of the product authorised and users are required to apply the product in accordance with the label instructions.

A proposal for a Commission Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides is currently under consideration by both the EU Council and the EU Parliament. The proposal aims to reduce the risk from the use of pesticides and is designed to further enhance the high level of protection for man, animals and the environment achieved through the regulatory system for pesticides. While Parliament has adopted a position, Council has not yet completed a first reading of the legislative texts concerned. My Department is actively participating in the ongoing discussions at Council.