EU's proposed reduction of imports concerns CropLife America

A letter expressing concern over pending legislation by the European Union that would significantly impact U.S. agricultural exports was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman by CropLife America and almost 50 other agricultural organizations.

The letter specifically expressed concern that the E.U. legislation would be implemented in a manner considered ‘scientifically questionable, unduly trade-restrictive and inconsistent with the E.U.’s commitments in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The agricultural groups want Froman to remind Commissioners that the U.S. will hold them to WTO obligations.

The letter explains the worry agricultural groups have concerning authorization or reauthorization of pesticides because the E.U. refused to perform a risk assessment. Instead, the E.U. would decide the pesticide or chemical was ineligible for authorization or reauthorization based solely on the chemical, not taking into account other factors which would be explored with a risk assessment.

“The potential effect of this implementation would not only hurt growers and consumers in the E.U., but U.S. agricultural producers as well,” CropLife America CEO and President Jay Vroom said. “From fruits and vegetables to nuts and processed foods, the sale of nearly all of our bulk commodities to the E.U. might no longer be permitted. We urge Ambassador Froman to address this concern and ensure that U.S. growers can still use the most advanced, most precise pesticide technologies available to them. Consumers around the world need access to affordable food; this legislation hinders growers from making that possible.”