Formal and rigorous assessment processes for the approval of crop protection products are in place worldwide. Legislation on crop protection products varies from country to country. This is due to differences in climate, cultivation systems, and the pressure from diseases and pests. These differences vary by region, with conditions in the Netherlands differing from those in Southern Europe, South America, or Africa. That is why local (national) authorities ultimately determine which crop protection products are approved. In the Netherlands, this is determined by the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb). Growers must comply with local legislation, regardless of where the flowers are later sold. The basic rule is the same everywhere in the world: plant protection products must be effective and safe. The fact that flowers grown abroad have been cultivated using different products than in the Netherlands does not mean that they pose a risk to humans, animals, or the environment.

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In the Netherlands, for example, the Ctgb assesses whether plant protection products can be used safely on flowers and plants. In other countries, local government institutions do this. They also look at possible exposure of consumers during normal use, for example when holding or smelling flowers.

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African countries are actively working to bring their approvals more into line with European requirements. Last year, for example, Kenya brought its legislation on plant protection products more into line with EU legislation. This reform focuses on phasing out the most environmentally harmful active substances and better aligning with international standards. In addition, a large proportion of growers worldwide are certified (figures for 2025: 77% EU, 83% Kenya, and 89% Ethiopia) and audited by independent institutes. A similar development can also be seen in South America with the development of environmental and social standards. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a mandatory part of this. IPM involves four steps: prevention, monitoring, control, and evaluation. Control with chemical crop protection products only comes in the third step, with the order being first biological, then mechanical (e.g., with traps), and only lastly chemical. As a result of this approach, the use of crop protection products in the floriculture sector has declined significantly internationally in recent years.

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What are the figures?

• Figures (source: MPS) show that since 2015, the use of the most environmentally harmful (chemical) crop protection products has fallen by no less than 78% worldwide.
• Worldwide, the use of (chemical) crop protection products in floriculture per hectare has fallen by 35% since 2015.
• Kenyan growers have reduced their use of the most environmentally harmful products by no less than 58% since 2019.
• Ethiopian growers have reduced their use of the most environmentally harmful products by 56% since 2019.
• Certification according to FSI requirements: 77% EU, 83% Kenya, and 89% Ethiopia.