AVA-ASAJA asking for an extension in the use of methyl chlorpyrifos in Spain

The Valencian Association of Agricultural Producers (AVA-ASAJA) has asked the Council and the Ministry of Agriculture to follow the steps taken by the Italian Republic and re-authorize the use of the active substance methyl chlorpyrifos for the fight against citrus and kaki pests, at least while there are no other biological or chemical control alternatives with sufficient guarantees.

An EU regulation published on January 13 established that the Member States would stop the marketing and use of methyl chlorpyrifos after February 16 and no later than April 16, despite it remaining in use in most countries of the world, with even the Codex Alimentarius establishing a maximum residue limit for it. The Spanish administrations enforced this veto to the letter and against the demands of the agrarian sector, which has found itself unable to tackle big pests like the South African cotonet (Delottococcus aberiae), which continues to spread in the Region of Valencia.

For its part, the Ministry of Health of the Italian Republic has just decreed the authorization for the use of plant protection products containing the active substance methyl chlorpyrifos for a maximum period of 120 days, alluding to "reasons of phytosanitary emergency." In Italy, the product is being used for the fight against the brown marmorated stink bug on stone fruit trees.