Pesticide sales in Ireland drop by 16% within decade

By Rubina Freiberg

Pesticide sales in Ireland have declined by 16% between 2011 and 2021, according to figures published by Eurostat.

Data on pesticide sales covering agricultural and non-agricultural uses show that a total of 355,175t of pesticides were sold in the European Union (EU) in 2021.

This represents an increase of 2.7% on 2020 levels at 346,000t. In 2011, this figure stood at 359,468t, according to Eurostat.

Fungicides and bactericides accounted for the highest sales volumes at 44%, followed by herbicides, haulm destructors and moss killers (34%); and insecticides and acaricides (14%). 

Changes in pesticide sales in Ireland between 2011 and 2021:

• Fungicides and bactericides: Declined from 620t to 422t;

• Herbicides, haulm destructors and moss killers: Declined from 2,812t to 2,346t;

• Insecticides and acaricides: Declined from 48t to 8t;

• Molluscicides: Increased from 4t to 14t;

• Plant growth regulators: Increased from 188t to 280t;

• Other plant protection products: Remained at 20t.

Pesticide volumes sold in 2021 were highest in Spain which accounted for 21% of the EU total, closely followed by France at 20%. Germany and Italy both accounted for 14%.

These countries are also the main agricultural producers in the EU, with collectively 51% of the total EU utilised agricultural area (UAA) and 49% of the total EU arable land, Eurostat said.

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