Crop protection product sales decreased by 9% in the EU in 2023

In 2023, around 292,000 tons of plant protection products were sold in the EU, the lowest level since data collection began (2011). This figure represents a 9% decrease compared to 2022 and an 18% drop from 2021, according to data published by Eurostat (European Statistical Office). Of this volume, 39% were fungicides and bactericides, 36% herbicides, and 17% insecticides and acaricides. The agricultural powerhouses of the EU were also the main consumers of these substances: France, 65,415 tons (23% of the total); Spain, 52,906 tons (18%); Germany, 40,493 tons (14%), and Italy 39,571 tons (14%). Eurostat points out that between 2011 and 2023, there were significant contrasts in the evolution of plant protection product sales within the EU. Of the 21 countries with available data, 16 saw a decrease in sales, with Portugal (-44% in that period), Italy (-44%), Ireland (-38%), and Slovenia (-38%) standing out. In Spain, a decrease of around 30% was recorded. Conversely, sales volume ...