The resolutions of the recently concluded UN species protection conference in Montreal, Canada, have once again reinforced the urgency of this, said the minister. The EU reduction target of halving the use of pesticides by 2030 "is also our benchmark at national level - based on the coalition agreement. This requires a wide range of efforts from all stakeholders."

Özdemir also defended his plans to ban the export of certain pesticides. "What is rightly not permitted here for reasons of health protection should not be shipped to other parts of the world where, in case of doubt, there are no or insufficient safety standards. This double standard must end," said the minister. People have the same right to health everywhere.