The European Parliament rejected a proposal on Wednesday aiming to halve the use and risk of chemical plant protection products by 2030.
By 207 votes to 299, with 121 abstentions, the Parliament dismissed the European Commission’s key proposal under the European Green Deal, a move principally led by the European People’s Party (EPP) in support of farmers.
“It’s a dark day for the environment, health, society and the liberation of farmers from agro-industry”, said the text’s presenter for the environment committee, Germany’s Sarah Wiener (Greens/EFA).
MEP Peter Liese (EPP - Germany) called the result "sensational" before adding: "Farmers can be relieved for now."
A request to send the text back to the committee was also turned down.
