The FVO has started two new series of audits
One series evaluates controls of pesticide residues in Organic Production. Pesticide residue testing is only one part of controls in this sector. Since 2014, there is a legal requirement to sample 5% of organic operators. The FVO teams audit the co-ordination by competent authorities, pesticide residue controls carried out by private control bodies and official control authorities, and evaluates performance of laboratories which carry out the analyses. The first audit was performed end of January in the United Kingdom. Four further audits are planned in Poland, Germany, Finland and Spain.
The second series evaluates controls of the marketing and use of plant protection products. A total of 13 Member States will be audited in 2015 and 2016. The first audit finished in Italy in the first week of February. The audit teams evaluate official controls at growers of cereals, seed treatment facilities, manufacturers, re-packers, importers and wholesalers of pesticides. The audit teams will also gather information on any derogations granted for spraying of pesticides by helicopters and airplanes, and on the implementation of Integrated Pest Management. All growers in the EU must follow Integrated Pest Management since January 2014.
Audit reports and overview reports for the two series will be published on this site.