Inflation is an effective lever for reducing pesticide quantities
If pesticides become more expensive, they are used much less frequently. The reduced use of pesticides does not lead to lower harvests, according to the remarkable result of a recent analysis of official sales data carried out on behalf of Bündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft, BUND, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), DNR, foodwatch, Greenpeace, NABU and PAN Germany. The analysis examines the causes of the sharp decline in pesticide sales in Germany in 2023 and evaluates relevant sales, weather and usage data from the past 20 years.
Compared to the previous year, sales volumes for pesticides reached a record low in 2023. Around 20% fewer pesticides were sold in Germany. This reduction was due to the 20% increase in pesticide prices compared to the previous season. The analysis was able to rule out other potential influencing factors for such a decline, such as low prices for agricultural products, droughts or the expansion of fallow land.
Study author and pesticide expert Lars Neumeister explains: "The year 2023 has impressively shown that there is considerable potential for savings in pesticide use without jeopardizing harvests. The analysis confirms that an increase in pesticide prices significantly reduces the consumption of pesticides. This is a strong argument for the introduction of a risk-based pesticide levy to permanently reduce the burden on humans and the environment. Our European neighbors, such as Denmark, are already successfully implementing such a levy."
Double dividend for nature
The alliance of associations is in favor of a risk-based pesticide levy. This could be an unbureaucratic and targeted incentive for farmers to sustainably reduce the use of pesticides. The revenue from such a levy could be earmarked for the promotion of farms that reduce the use of pesticides or do without them altogether. For example, pesticide-free grain and maize cultivation would simultaneously protect biodiversity and reduce negative effects on the environment, climate and health. According to the associations, this would have the effect of a "double dividend for nature". Positive experiences from neighboring European countries already exist, such as Denmark, France, Norway and Sweden.
Historically low pesticide use despite high rainfall
2023 was an exceptionally rainy year - with around 900 mm of rain, the second-highest amount of precipitation in the last 20 years. High humidity generally favors the growth of weeds and fungal pathogens, which often leads to increased pesticide use. Nevertheless, sales volumes for pesticides reached a historic low in 2023.
The use of fungicides and molluscicides against slugs was reduced particularly sharply. There were considerable savings, particularly in large area crops such as cereals and maize. In previous decades, pesticide sales remained constant at around 30,000 tons of active ingredient per year; in 2023, they were significantly lower at 25,295 tons. The use of synthetic chemical pesticides is one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity.
Background
The analysis is based on domestic sales data for pesticides from 2002 to 2023. In addition to sales figures, economic and meteorological factors were examined in order to assess their influence on pesticide consumption. Official statistics, market prices and agribusiness reports were evaluated.
