Israel tops Western world in pesticide use

Israel fills its fields with chemicals more than any other Western country, according to a newly released survey of agricultural practices held by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

The survey, which examined the agricultural practices in Israel between 2008 and 2010, establishes that Israel uses more pesticides than any other country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which includes 34 countries.

The figures show that the Israeli produce is among the most toxic produce in the world, with 3.5 tons of pesticides per square kilometer.

For comparison, Sweden -- which is the member with lowest user of pesticides in the OECD, uses just 40 kg per square kilometer.

The data also shows that Israeli farmers have been using banned materials which damage the environment and the ozone layer, like compounds with methyl bromide, which is highly poisonous.

All in all, the data reveal that 7,000 tons of pesticides are sold annually in Israel in 670 different mixtures.

According to the report, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is revising the regulations for the use of pesticides in Israel following the harsh survey.

The ministry plans to introduce more environmental-friendly methods and substances to help battle pests in an environmental- friendly way.