Floriculture remains one of the most pesticide-intensive crops, despite a general decline in pesticide use since 2012, as reported by Senay Boztas for The Guardian. However, this trend is changing as Dutch flower farmers increasingly abandon pesticides due to their potential impact on human health and biodiversity.

Recent legal actions in the Netherlands have shed light on the health risks associated with pesticide use in agriculture, including serious neurological conditions. This has prompted a push for new technologies and practices that can reduce the industry’s reliance on pesticides and protect human health and biodiversity.

One innovative method that floriculture is exploring is weed-seeking robots that can target weeds without harming surrounding plants. Smart injection techniques are also being developed to minimize the amount of pesticide used while still effectively controlling pests.

Professor Bas Bloem, a neurologist at Radboud University Medical Centre, emphasizes the connection between environmental factors like pesticides and conditions like Parkinson’s disease. This has led to calls for stricter regulations and comprehensive testing to ensure safety for both workers and consumers.

Overall, concerns about the health impacts of pesticides are increasing, prompting a deep structural reform within the industry. By adopting new technologies and practices, floriculture can reduce its reliance on pesticides and protect human health and biodiversity in the process.