Morocco Defends Pesticide Imports, Citing Limited EU Exports and Global Usage

17 September 2020 – byGinette · 1 min read

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) reacted following the publication of a report citing Morocco as one of the 85 countries benefiting from the export of unauthorized pesticides to Europe. In a statement, the Office stressed that Moroccan imports of pesticides used in agriculture represent only 2% of the European Union’s (EU) total exports of these products.

According to ONSSA, these are mainly pesticides based on 1,3 Dichloropropene, Paraquat and Hydrogen Cyanamide. This is a pesticide used to disinfect the soil against roundworms in order to prepare the soil for cultivation. The office also specified that this type of pesticide is currently used in several countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia. Its use in Europe is done in the countries producing vegetable and berry crops, after an exceptional authorization.

The office also reported that out of the 41 active substances mentioned in the report by non-governmental organizations, the Moroccan agricultural sector is concerned by 8 active substances, 4 of which have already been withdrawn from the national market. Similarly, it is planned to review Paraquat, 1,3-Dichloropropene, Hydrogen Cyanamide and Triasulfuron in 2021.

Between 2018 and 2020, 15 active substances have been withdrawn in order to contribute to the development of quality agriculture. This is a responsible approach that allows ONSSA to update itself on the status of pesticides, it is affirmed.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Agriculture National Office for Health Security of Food Products