Agricultural production pressure! Eu scrapped its plan to halve pesticide use

 The European Commission has shelved plans to reduce the use of pesticides to ease pressure on farming. Meanwhile, farmers across Europe are continuing to demand higher prices for their produce and a relaxation of EU environmental rules.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the original proposal to halve pesticide use by 2030 "has become a symbol of polarization" and she asked the commission to withdraw it. The move marks a new concession by the EU to farmers on environmental issues.

Farmers across Europe face a range of challenges, including falling agricultural prices, rising energy, fertiliser and logistics costs, an influx of cheap foreign imports, excessive retailer rights and complex EU and domestic regulations. Von der Leyen admits that "many farmers feel cornered". She said the voices of farmers should be listened to, but also stressed the need for European agriculture to shift to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly production model.