"The European parliament environment committee has today supported higher standards for protection of human health and the environment. Its vote will lead to a more innovative and competitive European chemical industry in the field of pesticides.

The committee has set a strong negotiating position for upcoming discussions with Council and the European Commission by strengthening the cut-off criteria. I welcome that MEPs voted to prohibit substances deemed to be of significant risk to the development of the immune or nervous system. They have also insisted on better protection for bees, which play a crucial role in food production.

It is a positive step that environment committee members have again rejected zonal authorisation for pesticide products, supported by the Commission and Council. As rapporteur I support harmonised rules for product authorisation but this must not be at the expense of EU member states.

It is highly regrettable that many representatives of farmer's organisations uncritically accepted grossly exaggerated industry figures. Farmers and their families will benefit from improved EU legislation most of all since they are at greatest risk of exposure to the harmful effects of toxic pesticides. This legislation would not mean crop loss for farmers."

Additional information can be found on Hiltrud Breyer's website at:

http://www.hiltrud-breyer.eu/hbreyer/fe/pub/en/dct/376