EP : Protecting farm workers and citizens in rural areas against pesticides
Pesticide Action Network Europe, together with the Members of the European Parliament, MEP Christophe Clergeau and MEP Marie Toussaint, invites you to the Parliamentary event “Protecting farm workers and citizens in rural areas against pesticides”.
This event aims to highlight the urgent need for a significant reduction in pesticide use. While recent discussions have focused on various aspects of pesticide reduction, we believe it is essential to emphasize the direct health risks posed by these chemicals to humans, animals, and the environment. Pesticides, designed to be toxic to target organisms, inevitably have adverse effects on non-target species, including humans and ecosystems.
Our goal is to inform policymakers about the serious health threats associated with pesticide exposure in rural communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. We urge them to take immediate and decisive action to address these concerns.
The event will feature two panel discussions focusing on the impact of pesticides on health and water quality, with a particular emphasis on PFAS pesticides. Experts and stakeholders will share their latest research, experiences, and propose concrete measures to reduce pesticide use.
A roundtable discussion will explore the neurotoxic effects of PFAS pesticides on agricultural workers and the general population. Participants from various fields, including agriculture, health, and regulation, will discuss the latest scientific evidence, regulatory frameworks, and potential policy implications.
Please find the program below.
Feel free to share the invitation within your networks. We are available for any questions you may have.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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Hosted by Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe), MEP Marie Toussaint and MEP Christoph Clergeau
Where: European Parliament (Room 7C50) and Online
When: 25 September 2024, 14:00-17:00 CET
Language: English
Programme:
1:30 - 1:55: In Person Registration
Moderator: Martine Dermine
14:00 - 14:20: Introduction
- Opening statement by MEPs: Mr. Christoph Clergeau, Ms. Marie Toussaint
- Welcome by Martin Dermine, PAN Europe
14:20 - 15:20: Panel 1 - Health Impacts of Pesticides
- Dr. Paul Scheepers, Radboud University - Exposure to pesticides - results from the SPRINT project
- Dr. Marieta Fernandez, University of Granada - Long-term health effects of pesticides on citizens from rural areas
- Suzanne Astic, CRIN - Upholding children's rights against exposure to pesticides
- François Veillerette, Générations Futures - Underestimated bystanders exposure to pesticides when spraying
15:20 - 15:35 Coffee Break
15:35 - 15:55: Panel 2 - Water Quality and PFAS Pesticides
- Dr. Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, Global 2000 - How PFAS pesticides jeopardise the future of European water supply
- Sara Johansson, EEB - Legislative flaws related to PFAS pesticides
16:00 - 16:45: Roundtable
Moderator: Natasha Foote
- Enrico Somaglia, EFFAT - Agricultural workers' exposure to (PFAS) pesticides
- Mathieu Ben Braham, Générations Futures - PFAS pesticides and neurotoxicity
- Dr. Manuela Tiramani, EFSA Representative - Neurotoxicity and regulatory perspectives
16:45 - 17:00: Closing Remarks
- Angeliki Lysimachou, PAN Europe
- MEPs