European institutions must ensure that the protection of human health and the environment from synthetic pesticides is fully safeguarded before endorsing any simplification of pesticide procedures (Omnibus).
The European workshop on pesticides and their impact on human health and the environment in light of the recently proposed EU policy changes (Omnibus) was successfully completed (February 19, 2026). The workshop was organised by the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), of the School of Health Sciences of the Cyprus University of Technology, together with the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe.
Main Findings (summary)
- The European Commission DG SANTE presented the proposal for the simplification procedure relating to pesticides (Omnibus) and its economic benefits for Europe, such as increasing the competitiveness of farmers and reducing bureaucracy with faster pesticide authorisation procedures.
- On the other hand, the European Pesticide Action Network (PAN) highlighted the concerns about the Omnibus policy proposal, which appears to mainly satisfy previous industry demands, such as i) elimination of the current legislation on the need for re-evaluation of a pesticide dossier and its toxicity based on new scientific results, ii) doubling the grace period, the additional time that pesticide products are allowed to remain on the market and continue their use to deplete the existing stock after they have been banned (from 1.5 years to 3 years). These concerns relate to the anticipated weakening of the protection of public health, the environment and biodiversity.
- There are 30 licensed active substances of “forever chemicals”, PFAS, that are used as pesticides. Their concentrations in fruits and vegetables have increased in the last decade. The majority of these are broken down into the metabolite TFA, which is highly persistent, and it is regularly found in water bodies, tap water, wine and cereals. New studies demonstrate its reproductive and developmental toxicity in animal models. The European Commission and Member States are urged to ban all PFAS pesticides.
- There was a unanimous view to further reduce pesticide exposure levels for children, adolescents and pregnant women. Children are particularly vulnerable to systemic exposure to pesticides compared to adults, and measures to reduce such exposure are required.
- Cyprus is among the top countries in the European Union in terms of pesticide use per hectare of agricultural land, while it also ranks among the countries with the highest percentage of food samples (e.g. fruits and vegetables) with pesticide residues.
- The EU market of organic pesticides should be strengthened over synthetic chemical pesticides. Currently, this sector is not systematically promoted in Europe, which affects its global competitiveness.
- We need better implementation of the Integrated Production Management (IPM) systems in local agricultural production, which involves reduced pesticide use compared to current agricultural practices. Smallholder farmers, especially young farmers, and those engaged in sustainable agricultural practices (e.g. organic farmers) need to be supported and empowered.
- An exploratory study of household dust samples for pesticides was carried out in houses located near agricultural land in Cyprus. The study found various pesticides in house dust - up to nine different pesticides in a single household. Some of these pesticides were already banned for agricultural use, but are still used as biocides for prophylactic purposes or parasite treatment (e.g. fleas) in household pets. This highlights a new source of indoor human exposure to pesticides used as biocides on pets (e.g. cats, dogs).
- Organic diet is emerging as a way to reduce pesticide exposure in children. The largest, globally, organic food intervention study in children took place in Cyprus, demonstrating i) reduced concentrations of pesticides, heavy metals and biomarkers of oxidative damage and inflammation in children who followed an organic diet for 40 days. ii) that the transition from conventional to organic diet in school meals is cost-effective, supporting its wider implementation in Cyprus.
- Recommendations also included i) the creation of a national pesticide use registry at the farm level, linked to the point of sale, ii) education and training of farmers in alternative practices, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, and iii) the participation of large retail chains in pesticide residue analyses on their food products.
Key points from the panel discussion
In addition to the presentations, important findings emerged from the panel discussion with policymakers, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, as well as the Ministry of Health, NGOs, and experts on pesticide and health issues.
- Education, innovation, and collaboration were identified as the core pillars for protecting people’s health, especially that of vulnerable groups like children, from pesticide exposure.
- While regulatory frameworks, such as the Sustainable Use Directive, provide valuable tools, their implementation must be strengthened through better alignment with local conditions, enhanced farmer training, and stronger stakeholder engagement.
- Combining scientific knowledge, policy commitment, and community involvement can achieve lasting reductions in pesticide exposure and safeguard both human health and the environment.
Contact:
- Konstantinos Makris, konstantinos.makris [at] cut.ac.cy, +357-25002398
- Gergely Simon, gergely [at] pan-europe.info, +32 2 318 62 55
