Dutch flower growers massively using banned pesticides
Dutch greenhouse flower growers are misusing pesticides on a large scale, including substances that are banned. Authorities reported that 61 percent of growers are not following pesticide regulations, a steep drop from 2019, when 60 percent were in compliance.
Over the past two years, inspectors from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) visited 71 companies, examining the cultivation of chrysanthemums, freesias, hydrangeas, and roses. The NVWA identified violations at 43 companies, including seven instances of prohibited pesticide use.
The NVWA issued 20 warnings and 41 reports of findings, which can lead to fines or other measures. Violations included 32 cases of improper use—such as excessive dosage, too frequent application, or incorrect timing—seven cases of using substances not approved for cultivation, 13 cases of improper record-keeping, one use of a substance not approved in the EU, and five cases of unapproved spraying equipment.
Banned substances detected included azinphos-ethyl, chlorpyrifos, spirodiclofen, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and metoxuron. The NVWA warned that improper use of pesticides can pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment.
Tests on imported roses and other cut flowers sold in the Netherlands have shown pesticide residues that can pose health risks to professionals such as florists, auction workers, and importers—even when protective clothing is worn. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said exposure to pesticides can cause a range of health effects depending on the substance, exposure level, and duration, including skin allergies, immune system or nervous system effects, and certain cancers.
Pesticides on imported flowers could also harm soil organisms and bees if plant waste enters compost or green waste streams. Consumer exposure is lower but not risk-free, according to the RIVM.
On domestic greenhouse-grown flowers, the NVWA said the risks of overuse of approved pesticides are not yet clear, and further research is needed.
The findings have sparked frustration in the Dutch Parliament. Party for the Animals MP Leonie Kostić said the sector “harms our health and the environment.” GroenLinks-PvdA MP Paul Bromet called the results “shocking,” while CDA MP Pieter Zwinkels described them as “unacceptable.” D66 MP Anne-Marijke Podt said the decline in compliance is “incomprehensible.”
Minister for Agriculture Piet Adema agreed that the inspection results are concerning and said the sector must take more responsibility. Sector organization Glastuinbouw Nederland expressed regret but noted that label instructions for pesticide use often do not match practical realities. The organization emphasized that it distances itself from growers who knowingly use unauthorized pesticides.
Parliamentarians highlighted that current enforcement appears insufficient to improve compliance. Discussions include whether the chance of detection is too low and whether fines are adequate. The NVWA said it is considering tougher sanctions for repeat offenders and exploring more public disclosure of inspection results. Approximately 25 inspectors oversee pesticide use in the sector.
"Clearly, we need to do more to safeguard the health and safety of growers, florists, and consumers," Podt stated.
