WRITTEN QUESTION E-3896/02

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(14 January 2003)

Subject: Research to facilitate reduced and sustainable use of pesticides

In communication COM(2002) 349 on a thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides, the Commission states that over 200 projects related to pesticides have been funded, but it is not clear to what extent these research projects have contributed to sustainable use of pesticides.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. How much funding did all these projects receive, over what period and what amount was involved (as a proportion of the total research budget)?

2. How many projects were concerned with (and how much funding was provided for):

(a) monitoring of pesticide residues in soil, water and air?

(b) monitoring of residues in food?

(c) research into the impact of pesticides on health?

(d) research into the environmental impact of pesticides?

(e) development of alternative methods of controlling harmful organisms in agriculture?

(f) development of alternative methods of controlling harmful organisms outside agriculture and for biocides?

(g) development of an integrated cultivation method in agriculture?

(h) reducing the use of and dependence on pesticides in general?

3. How does the Commission publish the findings of such research and/or disseminate them proactively in the EU?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2003)

1. From 1984 to 2002 298 projects related to pesticides were supported within different Community Framework Research Programmes. A list of their titles grouped by the different Framework Programmes is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to the Secretariat General of the Parliament (Annex I). However, the most relevant research related to the strategy for the sustainable use of pesticides is currently being carried out by projects supported under the 5th Framework Programme. From 1999 to 2002, 114 projects related to pesticides were supported with a Community-contribution of EUR 164,7 million which is 1,2 % of the total Budget for 5th Framework Programme on Research and Development.

2. The table in Annex II which is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat provides an overview of the projects per topic listed in the written question. Also, this information is based on those supported under the 5th Framework Programme related to the strategy for the sustainable use of pesticides.

3. The Commission is publishing the results of research projects by means of project lists in catalogues and the Cordis-database, which is accessible through the Cordis-web-site. In addition, each research project has a specific dissemination strategy involving publication in scientific journals, presentations at different relevant conferences and meetings. At the end of research projects consortia are requested to furnish details of their results in a Technology Implementation Plan which are published later on Cordis. More information about projects can also be found on http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/agriculture/research_themes/plant_health.html. In 2003 this site will also begin to disseminate project results.