The investigation shows that Austria is failing to meet its targets for reducing pesticide use. Despite previous commitments and plans, usage remains consistently high. The Court of Auditors emphasizes that current policies are insufficient to effectively limit the ecological damage caused by pesticides.
The report from the Court of Auditors highlights a lack of effective control over usage. While rules and guidelines exist, their implementation falls short. The agricultural sector still makes frequent use of chemical pesticides, possibly even of unauthorized substances.
One of the biggest problems the Court of Auditors points out is the approval process. This process is considered insufficiently strict, allowing dangerous substances easier access to the market and use. The procedures for pesticide approval are not only slow but often flawed. As a result, products that may be harmful are still used in agriculture.
Moreover, there is inadequate tracking of which pesticides are used where and in what quantities. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of measures and to adjust them as needed. Better monitoring and data collection are crucial to obtain an accurate picture of the situation and to be able to take targeted action.
Various environmental organizations have embraced the findings of the Court of Auditors and have called for immediate action. They emphasize that the current situation is harmful not only to the environment but also to public health. They advocate for stricter regulation and a more proactive governmental approach to limiting pesticide use. This could contribute to restoring biodiversity and protecting natural habitats.
The publication of the Court of Auditors’ report comes amid the campaign for the parliamentary elections at the end of December. The turquoise-green coalition of Christian Democrats and Greens has, against many expectations, remained relatively stable over the past four years. Only in the past year have the differences between the two parties regarding nature and agriculture intensified.
The Austrian government says that various initiatives have already been taken but acknowledges that much work remains. The government promises to take the Court of Auditors' recommendations seriously and to work on a more effective and sustainable agricultural policy.