Draft of new Action Plan for the sustainable use of PPP

Royal Decree 1311/2012, of September 14, which establishes the framework of action to achieve a sustainable use of plant protection products, foresees that national action plans should be used to establish quantitative objectives, goals, measures, calendars and indicators, in order to reduce the risks and effects of the use of plant protection products on human health and the environment, and to encourage the development and introduction of integrated pest management and of alternative techniques in order to reduce as much as possible the dependence on plant protection products use.

Based on the above, the National Action Plan for the sustainable use of plant protection products ("PAN") is the tool that the Spanish Authorities use to reflect their strategy regarding the sustainable use of plant protection products in Spain, establishing a coordinated framework of specific actions to comply with the regulations on the matter and reflect the lines of action defined.

The PAN has a comprehensive nature in order to obtain results representative of the global plant protection products’ activity and to ensure the simultaneous application of all measures and sustainability criteria. In its preparation, review and modification, the social and economic effects of the measures included are also taken into consideration.

This type of document is reviewed at least every 5 years, in order to have comparative data that allow evaluating the effectiveness of the actions. Since its regulatory implementation, the following action plans have taken place: the PAN 2013-2017, the PAN 2018-2022 and the PAN 2023-24.

On September 18, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture submitted to public consultation the draft of the PAN 2025-2029. 

According to its wording, the main purposes of the PAN 2025-2029 are the following: 

• To protect human health and the environment by reducing risks and effects derived from the use of plant protection products.
• To preserve biodiversity, agriculture and rural life through a sustainable production model compatible with rational and precise use of plant protection products through the promotion of integrated pest management and alternative approaches or techniques, such as non-chemical alternatives to chemical plant protection products.

The specific objectives analyzed in the PAN 2025-2029 are:

• To increase knowledge and awareness regarding integrated management of pests, and other alternative techniques, of users of plant protection products.
• To harmonize and update training on sustainable use of plant protection products for the different users of these products, emphasizing the potential dangers, risks and impacts for human health and the environment.
• To consolidate the commitment to sustainable use through measures and initiatives existing or new that reinforce precise areas in relation to the use of plant protection products.
• To promote digitalization as a key instrument in sustainable and future use of plant protection products, improving the available tools and also providing new tools.

The consultation period for the draft of the PAN 2025-2029 ended last October 21, 2024, and several entities have submitted their allegations.