Apples from Lake Constance: dispute over pesticides and their consequences for the farmers

Apples from Lake Constance: dispute over pesticides and their consequences for the farmers

The Lake Constance is the focus of a continuing dispute that affects fruit producers in the region. Thomas Heilig, the chairman of the Obgeregion Bodensee e. V., is dissatisfied after reports on the use of so-called "beauty pesticides" in the apples. These pesticides should give the apples a flawless appearance, but are criticized because they are considered to be health -hazardous.

The warning of the Environmental Association BUND, which speaks of "Schneewittchen-Bäpfeln", triggered outrage for many involved. The designation marks the fertile fruit region by creating a connection between external attraction and inner danger. Corinna Hölzel, employee of the federal government, said: "The trade prefers to take the Snow White apple, chic on the outside and toxic on the inside." Such statements are not only annoying, but also harmful to business, so holy.

Complex challenges for fruit growers

Dieter Mainberger, a fruit builder and head of the Tettnang farmers' association, sees the challenge in the combination of fruit and hop cultivation. Weather conditions this year have led to an increased fungal attack, which requires a higher application of pesticides. Healthy plants require appropriate protection, especially when it comes to harvesting.

The problem increases by the ban on the plant protection product Captan, which was previously used in the region. Due to international standards and zero tolerance in the event of residues, local farmers must now use alternative means. Heilig reported that several farmers are suing the regulation because their livelihoods are at stake.

The situation has called the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). Since July, farmers have been able to temporarily use a different means, folpet, but has been on the red list in fruit growing in the past. This fungicide, which is approved for hop cultivation, could be a solution, but there are concerns about health risks. The federal government has classified Folpet as "acute toxic" and "probably carcinogenic", which leads to intensive discussions.

In contrast, the BVL argues that there is no health concerns about the application at the increased maximum limit of 6 mg/kg, which remains unchanged compared to other types of fruit.

Looking for solutions

Regardless of these challenges, the fruit growers hope for a profitable harvest. According to experts, it is expected that around 247,000 tons of apples will be harvested on Lake Constance and in Upper Swabia, which is 13 percent more than in the previous year. Holy has expressed optimism that the price for the apples could be around 60 cents per kilo, provided the quality is guaranteed.

At the same time, the fruit growing industry is involved in the "Fairdi" project to reduce the use of pesticides. For two years, farmers have been experimenting with new apple varieties that react better to climate changes and show requiem fertility. The first results from these efforts are to be presented in the near future.

The overall picture of this situation on Lake Constance is complex, and while the producers are trying to adapt to the new guidelines and conditions, the healthy growth of the region is the focus of their considerations.

In the context of the current discussions about pesticides and their use in fruit growing, the legal framework is of great importance. In the European Union, there are strict guidelines that regulate the use of pesticides. Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 determines the conditions under which pesticides are approved to protect human and animal health and the environment. User plants usually have to be subjected to comprehensive tests before possible opportunities are approved. This procedure is intended to ensure that only the safest funds get into agricultural practice.

The debate about Folpet and its temporary approval is therefore part of a greater discourse about the balance between agricultural necessity and health concerns. Agriculture faces the challenge of fulfilling consumer requests for aesthetics and security while at the same time has the pressure to produce efficiently and ecologically. According to a survey by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture from 2022, 60 percent of consumers have concerns about residues in food, which is concerned with the discussion about the use of pesticides and their effects on the trust of consumers

Effects on the producer market

The controversy about pesticides also significantly influence market prices for apples. In 2021, the average price for apples in Germany was around 1.15 euros per kilogram, while the producer price was significantly below. This discrepancy shows how important it is for the fruit growers to secure the quality of their products in order to compete. If consumers begin to deal with the production methods more intensively, this can have long -term effects on the purchasing power and the sales figures of the fruit growers.

A recently carried out study has shown that organic apples incurred about 20 to 30 percent more than conventional. However, consumers are often willing to pay for more labels for more secure products. This tendency could lead to conventional fruit growers forced to check their cultivation methods and possibly implement more sustainable practices in order to keep up with the demand for organic products and less chemical residues.