Decision No 135 of 12 March 2019 approving the National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products

Intralegis 6.2 - CTCE Piatra Neamţ, 2019 www.ctce.ro Decision No 135 of 12 March 2019 approving the National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products ISSUING BODY: The Government PUBLISHED IN: Official Gazette of Romania No 205 of 14 March 2019 Entry into force: 14 March 2019 Pursuant to Article 108 of the Romanian Constitution, republished, and Article 4 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012 establishing the institutional framework for action in the area of sustainable use of pesticides on the territory of Romania, approved by Law No 63/2013, the Romanian Government hereby adopts this Decision. Article 1 The National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products, set out in the Annex forming an integral part of this Decision, is hereby approved. Article 2 On the date of entry into force of this Decision, Government Decision No 683/2013 approving the National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products, published in Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, No 585 of 16 September 2013, shall be repealed. PRIME MINISTER VASILICA-VIORICA DĂNCILĂ Countersigned by: For the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dumitru Daniel Botănoiu, State Secretary, The President of ‘Gheorge Ionescu-Şişeşti’,Academy for Agricultural and Forest Sciences Valeriu Tabără For the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment, Laurenţiu Adrian Neculaescu, State Secretary Minister for Waters and Forestry, Ioan Deneş Minister for Health, Sorina Pintea Minister for Foreign Affairs, Teodor-Viorel Meleşcanu For the Minister Delegate for European Affairs Alexandru-Victor Micula, State Secretary Bucharest, 12 March 2019 No 135. ANNEX 1 NATIONAL ACTION PLAN NATIONAL ACTION PLAN of 12 March 2019 on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products ISSUING BODY: The Government PUBLISHED IN: Official Gazette of Romania No 205 of 14 March 2019 Date of entry into force: 14 March 2019 Consolidated form valid as of 14 March 2019 Approved by Government Decision No 135 of 12 March 2019, published in Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, No 205 of 14 March 2019. List of abbreviations RPPIA - Romanian Plant Protection Industry Association RWNA - Romanian Waters National Administration NPA - National Phytosanitary Authority NEPA - National Environmental Protection Agency AAFS - Academy for Agricultural and Forest Sciences ‘Gheorge Ionescu-Şişeşti’ EC – European Commission NCAPPP - National Commission for Approval of Plant Protection Products PHD - Public Health Directorate NEG - National Environmental Guard MARD - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development ME - Ministry of the Environment MWP - Ministry of Waters and Forestry MH - Ministry of Health NAP - National Action Plan PPCS - Pesticide Packaging Collection System Introduction The growth in the world’s population to 9 billion in the year 2050, as predicted by the United Nations, will bring with it a huge increase in demand for food, animal feed and renewable resources. Internationally, the agricultural sector will face major challenges, such as insufficient resources and climate change. Against this backdrop, agriculture must become more efficient and productivity has to be improved in order to meet the principal objectives in this domain, specifically in order to reduce the impact those global challenges are having on the environment. In seeking to increase productivity and reduce harvest losses it is essential to ensure the phytosanitary protection of crops by using high-performance plant protection products (PPPs) that enable high-quality agricultural products to be obtained at advantageous prices while reducing the risks posed to human health and the environment. The sustainable use of PPPs as referred to in Government Emergency Order No 34/2012 establishing the institutional framework for action in the area of sustainable use of pesticides on the territory of Romania, approved by Law No 63/2013 represents an essential objective for achieving agricultural output - and thus putting in place an agricultural system - that is competitive both at the European level and internationally. The authorities that are competent for drawing up the National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products, referred to hereinafter as the National Action Plan, are: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Waters and Forestry, the Ministry of Health and the Academy for Agricultural and Forest Sciences ‘Gheorge Ionescu-Şişeşti’. The National Action Plan represents a strategic document aimed at continuously improving the use of PPPs with a view to reducing the impact on consumers, users, residents and passers-by, as well as on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, while also seeking to put in place an appropriate system for monitoring pesticide residues. The National Action Plan contains quantitative targets, measures and timetables geared to reducing the risks and effects of PPP use on human health and the environment, as set out in Tables 1 to 11. Through the National Action Plan, a system for the integrated management of harmful organisms will be developed and implemented while promoting the introduction of PPPs containing low-risk active substances and of alternative techniques designed to reduce PPP use. PPPs are used in accordance with Article 2(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC, as amended. I. Legislative framework The National Action Plan was drawn up pursuant to Article 4 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, and is aimed at: (a) establishing the institutional framework for achieving the sustainable use of PPPs; (b) reducing dependence on PPP use; (c) reducing the risks and effects of using PPPs in relation to human health and the environment; (d) promoting the integrated management of harmful organisms as well as alternative approaches and techniques, such as non-chemical methods. In finalising the National Action Plan, due account was taken of the provisions set out in the legislative acts in force concerning the effects of PPP use: Law No 107/1996 (the Waters Act), as amended, Law No 458/2002 on the quality of drinking water, republished, as amended, and Government Emergency Order No 57/2007 on arrangements applying to protected natural areas and the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, approved with amendments by Law No 49/2011, as amended. Implementation of the National Action Plan will be aimed at the protection of human health and the environment, the use of sustainable agricultural practices and the protection of specific zones, the prohibition of aerial spraying - with the exceptions provided for in Article 9(2) of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013 - and implementation of the integrated management of harmful organisms, in accordance with the following national and European legislative acts: a) Government Order No 4/1995 on the manufacture, marketing and use of plant protection products to control diseases, pests and weeds in agriculture and forestry, approved with amendments by Law No 85/1995 as amended; b) Government Order No 41/2007 on the marketing of plant protection products and amending or repealing certain legislative acts in the phytosanitary domain, approved with amendments by Law No 28/2009, as amended; c) Law No 107/1996 (the Waters Act), as amended; d) Government Decision No 53/2009 approving the National Action Plan for the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, as amended; e) Government Decision No 570/2016 approving the programme for the phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances and other measures to combat the principal pollutants; f) Government Decision No 930/2005 approving special rules concerning the nature and size of sanitary and hydro-geologic protection zones; g) Order No 1182/1270/2005 of the Minister for the Environment and Waters Management and the Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development approving the Code of good agricultural practices for the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, as amended; h) Government Decision No 859/2016 approving the updated National plan for the management of the parts of the Danube international river basin located on the territory of Romania; i) Law No 458/2002 on the quality of drinking water, republished, as amended; j) Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC, as amended; k) Government Decision No 1230/2012 laying down measures for applying the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC; l) Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC, as amended; m) Legislation on nature conservation - Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna, transposed into national legislation by Government Emergency Order No 57/2007, approved with amendments by Law No 49/2011, as amended. Moreover, implementation of the National Action Plan will contribute towards halting biodiversity loss; n) Government Decision No 964/2000 approving the Action Plan for the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, as amended. II. Implementation of the National Action Plan on reducing risks associated with the use of plant protection products. A. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: To reduce the risks associated with the use of PPPs in order to protect public health and the environment B. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: The National Action Plan sets out specific objectives and measures designed to reduce dependence on chemical methods of combating harmful organisms, thus providing professional users and the public at large with specific information regarding the integrated management of harmful organisms and alternative, non-chemical methods. Reducing dependence on chemical methods of plant protection will lessen the impact of plant protection activities on wild flora and fauna and [will help] preserve biodiversity, in particular by laying down specific measures for promoting appropriate agri-environmental concepts such as crop rotation and the like. The specific objectives of the NAP are as follows: a) to train and certify professional users, distributors and advisors; b) to comply with requirements regarding the marketing of PPPs; c) to comply with requirements regarding the handling and storage of PPPs and the management of PPP packaging and waste; d) to reduce the risks for consumers by controlling pesticide residues; e) to promote the integrated management of harmful organisms; f) to reduce the risk of water, soil and air contamination; g) to organise the system for the inspection of PPP application equipment; h) to reduce the effect of course deviation in aerial spraying; i) to reduce PPP use or the associated risks in particular zones; j) to carry out information and awareness-raising programmes on reducing the risks associated with the use of PPPs; k) to reduce the impact on pollinating insects. For each specific objective, measures are proposed in the following areas: a) protecting human health by reducing risks for professional users and distributors who use or distribute PPPs, other agricultural workers, residents, passers-by, and other users; b) preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment by reducing the risks of water, soil and air pollution by PPPs; c) regulating issues regarding the storage, marketing and use of PPPs, and ensuring the competitiveness of Romania’s agricultural sector. The National Phytosanitary Network comprises the County Phytosanitary Offices and the official central and regional control laboratories, which: a) monitor and enforce compliance with good practices and statutory provisions regarding the storage, marketing and use of PPPs in Romania; b) take and analyse samples of PPPs under the national programme for monitoring the quality of plant protection products; c) take and analyse samples of plants and plant products under the national programme for monitoring pesticide residues in plants and plant products; d) monitor plant health and consolidate the forecasting and warning system. Indicators permit the measurement of progress made in reducing risk and impact in the use phase of PPPs and ensure linkage between the measures established under the National Action Plan. These indicators can be analysed both at farm/holding level and at the macro level, e.g. agricultural sector level. The National Action Plan also includes indicators for monitoring the use of PPPs containing active substances of particular concern. Under Article 4(12) Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, the National Action Plan is to be reviewed at least once every five years. Specific objectives: 1. Training and certification of professional users, distributors and advisors The system for the training and certification of professional users, distributors and advisors is based on Article 5 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. The system for the training and certification of professional users, distributors and advisors will ensure that sufficient knowledge is gained or updated with regard to the issues listed in Annex No 1 to Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. Table 1 - Training and certification of professional users, distributors and advisors Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Organisation of a system for the training and certification of professional users, distributors and advisors Number of certificates issued to professional users NPA in partnership with ME though NEPA, MH Professional users must hold a training certificate NAP validity period Number of certificates issued to distributors NPA in partnership with ME though NEPA, MH Distributors must hold a training certificate NAP validity period Number of certificates issued to advisors NPA in partnership with ME though NEPA, MH Advisors must hold a training certificate NAP validity period 2. Creation and updating of a database of persons holding a certificate obtained on completion of training Number of certificates entered NPA Certificates issued must be entered in the database NAP validity period 2. Compliance with requirements regarding the marketing of PPPs At the time of sale to professional users, distributors must provide specific advice regarding safety instructions for human health and the environment. Distributors selling PPPs to non-professional users must provide general information on the risks to human health and the environment associated with the use of those products, specifically as regards hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application and safe disposal of waste, in accordance with the legislation in force governing waste, and on alternative solutions entailing minimum risk, pursuant to Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. Pursuant to the specific legislation in force, distributors must apply to the National Phytosanitary Authority to be registered for the marketing of PPPs. To verify compliance with requirements regarding the marketing of PPPs, periodic checks will be carried out, with penalties being imposed in the event of non-compliance, in accordance with the national legislation in force. Only PPPs approved by the NCAPPP may be marketed in Romania. The quality of PPPs will be monitored on the basis of Article 68, ‘Monitoring and controls’, of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, as amended. For this purpose, an annual national programme for monitoring PPP quality will be drawn up. Table 2 - Compliance with requirements regarding the marketing of PPPs Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Strengthening capacity for monitoring the marketing of PPPs. Number of distributors monitored. NPA ME-NEG 2% increase in the number of checks compared with the average over the period 2013 2017. NAP validity period 2. Registration of economic operators marketing PPPs. Number of registration certificates issued. NPA Economic operators marketing PPPs are registered. NAP validity period 3. Monitoring of the quality of PPPs placed on the market. Number of active substances monitored. NPA 5% increase in the number of active substances monitored compared with the average over the period 2013-2017. NAP validity period Number of non authorised active substances and products identified. NPA 2% increase in the number of samples analysed compared with the average over the period 2013-2017 NAP validity period 3. Compliance with requirements regarding the handling and storage of PPPs and the management of PPP packaging and waste The handling and storage of PPPs, the diluting and mixing thereof, the cleaning of application equipment after phytosanitary treatments, the collection and disposal of mixture residue from the tank, and the disposal of empty PPP packaging represent a risk to human health and the environment. Such operations carried out by professional users and distributors should therefore be monitored by county phytosanitary offices, the environmental protection agencies and the county commands of the National Environmental Guard. The proper use of PPPs includes: a) using the personal protective equipment recommended on the label of the product used; b) reading and following the instructions on the labels of PPPs; c) calibrating application equipment; d) using application equipment that reduces spray drift; e) the proper management, in accordance with legislation, of crop treatment solution waste and of empty PPP packaging. One efficient and affordable way of reducing the chemical exposure of persons/operators who come into contact with a concentrated PPP while preparing the solution and filling/emptying the tank of the spraying equipment, referred to in the following as application equipment, is to mandate the use of personal protective equipment throughout the work involved, in accordance with instructions. PPPs may be used only for approved purposes and only in accordance with the instructions for use and with the specific legislation in force. In 2016 a new version of the Guidelines for the safe use of PPPs was drawn up by the NPA. It is available on the NPA website. In 2017 the Code of good practices for the safe use of PPPs was adopted and is available on the NPA website. The NPA will continue to support the nationwide expansion of the campaign to promote the guidelines for the safe use of PPPs and the demonstration of practices for their proper application. The main activities of measure 3 in Table 3 under this objective are concerned with the following: a) monitoring PPP use in accordance with legislation in the phytosanitary domain, specifically the verification of labelling and information contained therein, of packaging and of storage conditions, technical checks on PPP application equipment, the disposal of empty packaging and PPP waste, etc.; b) promotion of the national system for the collection of PPP packaging waste so as to ensure uniform requirements in accordance both with the legislative provisions in force regarding waste management and with the guidelines setting out good practices for the safe use of PPPs; c) promotion of triple rinsing in specially designed spaces and collection of decontaminated empty PPP packaging in accordance with the legislation in force. Appropriate informational and promotional efforts regarding PPP waste and packaging management are an important aspect in the context of developing a mandatory registration system for such waste. The legislative act regulating the management of packaging and packaging waste with a view to reducing the environmental impact is Law No 249/2015 on the management of packaging and packaging waste, as amended, which transposed Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste, as amended. The legal framework regulating the procedure/obligations for reporting and centralising data relating to packaging and waste is Order No 794/2012 of the Minister for the Environment and Forestry on the procedure for reporting data concerning packaging and packaging waste. At national level, a system for the collection of pesticides packaging is in place, providing a mechanism for the collection, transport and recovery of plastic, metal and paper PPP packaging. The Romanian Plant Protection Industry Association (AIPROM) set up the pesticides packaging collection system as a mechanism for the collection, transport and recovery of plastic, metal and paper packaging of PPPs imported into or produced in Romania by the companies that support the packaging collection system. Since 2008, the campaign for the collection of plastic/metal/paper PPP packaging has been under way nationally under the slogan ‘SCAPA de ambalaje!’ (‘Dispose of your packaging!’ SCAPA being the Romanian acronym for the collection system concerned and also a Romanian verb meaning here ‘to dispose of’). All SCAPA collection services are free of charge for farmers and PPP distributors, subject to strict compliance with the take-back conditions applying under the system. The implementation of the SCAPA system is organised and funded entirely by the AIPROM member companies and the companies participating in the packaging collection system. As regards the method of managing packaging/packaging waste, economic operators can fulfil the responsibilities set out in Article 16 (1) of Law No 249/2015, as amended, in accordance with Article 16(2) of the same legislative act. In the checks carried out by phytosanitary inspectors, professional users/distributors must provide documentary proof - including a contract for the return of PPP packaging and waste - that such packaging and waste is handed over to specialised companies. Table 3 - Compliance with requirements regarding the handling and storage of PPPs and the management of PPP packaging and waste Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Updating the Pest Expert database Number of PPPs registered in the database NPA Approved PPPs must be entered in the database NAP validity period 2. Promoting good agricultural practices Number of training courses or sessions organised NPA AAFS One training course or one session per year NAP validity period. 3. Strengthening capacity for monitoring PPS use Number of professional users checked NPA 2 % increase in the number of checks compared with the average over the period 2013 2017 NAP validity period 4. Promoting guidelines for PPP use. Number of persons taking part in training. NPA Annual training of 500 persons. NAP validity period 4. Reducing risks for consumers by controlling pesticide residues. Inappropriate application of PPPs in agriculture leads to an increase in the level of residues in the harvest and in the environment. A residue level above the permissible limit represents a risk for consumer health. Pesticide residues in plants and plant products in domestic production must be monitored in order to protect consumers. For the implementation of monitoring, an annual plan will be drawn up for monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables, fruit and cereals, the aim being to check domestic products of plant origin for compliance with the legislation in force on PPP use, and for compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin, as amended. The Laboratory for Pesticide Residues Control in Plants and Plant Products will analyse samples taken during the official controls in order to make a qualitative and quantitative determination of pesticide residues. On the basis of the analyses of pesticide residues found in samples taken from plants and plant products, it will be established whether the requirements regarding the safety of human health and the environment have been met. Checks carried out on PPPs during their marketing and use will be geared to verifying compliance with requirements designed to prevent, eliminate or reduce to acceptable levels the risks that could arise for human health and the environment. The proper application of PPPs authorised for use will thus be ensured through compliance with application doses and periods of non-use, and through their being used exclusively for the purposes for which they are authorised. Compliance with appropriate-use requirements should lead to a reduction in risks for consumers. For the protection of water resources, the emphasis has to be on preventing point and diffuse contamination caused by PPP use, through the implementation of good agricultural practices on agricultural and forestry holdings as well as in urban and recreational zones. The ‘Romanian Waters’ National Administration (RWNA) will monitor PPP-category substances liable to affect water resources and for which quality standards are established in specific legislation governing the water sector: Government Decision No 53/2009 approving the national plan for the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, as amended, Government Decision No 570/2016 approving the programme for the phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances and other measures to combat the principal pollutants in the category of organochlorine pesticides, urea pesticides, and nitrogen and phosphorus containing pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. The RWNA will monitor raw water resources, i.e. surface water, groundwater, water intended for drinking. Table 4 - Reducing risks for consumers, by controlling pesticide residues Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Checks on products of plant origin under annual programmes for monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables, fruit and cereals to verify compliance with the maximum permissible limits under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 Number of samples analysed NPA Increase in the number of samples analysed NAP validity period Number of residues of pesticides analysed NPA Increase in the number of residues of pesticides analysed NAP validity period 5. Promoting the integrated management of harmful organisms The National Action Plan provides for the implementation by all professional users, distributors and advisors of the general principles of integrated management of harmful organisms, as set out in Annex 3 to Government Emergency Order No 4/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. In order to promote and ensure compliance with the principles of integrated management of harmful organisms, it is intended to operate the system for training and certifying professional users, distributors and suppliers according to the thematic areas set out in Annex 1 to Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. The promotion of integrated management can be achieved by promoting/disseminating guidelines on the integrated management of harmful organisms in accordance with Article 14 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, and developing a system for the integrated management of harmful organisms that includes training designed to provide farmers with access to specialised knowledge for the development of sustainable high-performance agriculture. The main objective of integrated pest management is the use of practices and products entailing the lowest risk to human health and the environment. In order to ensure effective and economically viable protection for agricultural crops, PPPs must be applied only when strictly necessary, i.e. when there is an actual occurrence of harmful organisms as defined in the forecasts and alerts issued by the county phytosanitary offices and the advice of a phytosanitary specialist has been sought. Integrated management of harmful organisms can only be carried out if the situation regarding the presence of harmful organisms at the particular time is known. Table 5 - Promoting the integrated management of harmful organisms Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Drawing up crop- or sector- specific guidelines regarding the integrated management of harmful organisms. Number of crop specific guidelines drawn up. NPA AAFS One set of crop-specific guidelines over the NAP validity period. NAP validity period. 2. Drawing up guidelines on good agricultural practices for the integrated management of harmful organisms. Number of guidelines drawn up. NPA AAFS One set of guidelines over the NAP validity period. NAP validity period. 3. Promotion/ dissemination of guidelines regarding the integrated management of harmful organisms. Number of persons informed. NPA AAFS 500 persons informed annually. NAP validity period. 4. Consolidating the current system of forecasts and alerts No of forecasts and alerts issued per year. NPA Coverage of at least 50% of crops per year. NAP validity period. 5. Promotion of research into the integrated management of harmful organisms Number of research projects research projects financed per year MARD AAFS 2% increase in the number of research projects financed compared with the average over the period 2013-2017 NAP validity period. 6. Reducing the risk of water, soil and air contamination Particular care must be taken to avoid ground and surface water pollution, through compliance with Law No 107/1996 (the Waters Act), as amended. To this end, the use of PPPs in protection zones adjacent to surface waters is prohibited under Article 16(1) (f) and (i) and (2) of Law No 107/1996, as amended. It is also necessary to comply with the provisions set out in Article 28 of the Annex to Government Decision No 930/2005 approving Special rules concerning the nature and size of sanitary and hydro-geologic protection zones, with a view to growing certain types of crops on agricultural land located in strictly regulated sanitary protection zones, and prohibiting the use of PPPs in strictly regulated sanitary protection zones and in restricted sanitary protection zones, i.e. zones established in the vicinity of drinking water supply sources and facilities, mineral water sources and therapeutic lakes. These prohibitions are supplemented by the Code of good agricultural practices for the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, approved by Order No 1182/1270/2005 of the Minister for the Environment and Water Management and the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, as amended, the aim being to establish protection zones and buffer strips on land adjacent to watercourses where agricultural activities and the application of any kind of fertilizer or pesticide are prohibited. The dimensions of protection zones depend in particular on soil characteristics and PPP properties, as well as on the agricultural properties of the zones concerned. It should be pointed out that the dimensions of protection zones adjacent to surface waters are laid down in Annex 2 to Law No 107/1996, as amended. Multifunctional protection zones have to be recognised as an integral part of agricultural land, as they maintain the ecological balance by preserving biodiversity, i.e. boosting the number of beneficial species, pollinating and predatory insects as well as other, non-target organisms, while at the same time safeguarding wildlife corridors. What is more, they reduce runoff and the pollution of water sources adjacent to agricultural land by PPPs, and contribute towards reducing soil erosion. Multifunctional protection zones represent a major component of agroecosystems. They are important for protecting natural resources such as water and soil, preserving biodiversity and achieving sustainable agricultural production. Multifunctional protection zones between agricultural parcels can take the form of grass-covered strips designed to provide nectar for pollinating insects and food for secondary consumers. There are also protection zones that act as a natural barrier, such as windbreaks, hedgerows and ditches. The interaction between such a natural barrier and the adjacent protection zone can provide a source of biodiversity. Multifunctional protection zones may: a) considerably boost biodiversity; b) increase production as a result of better pollination; c) become habitats for small mammals and birds; d) provide protection for all elements of the environment. Other possible ways of reducing the quantity of PPPs released into the environment are to: a) fit low-drift nozzles to application equipment for field crops, shrub plantations and fruit; b) use PPP application equipment fitted with screens for recovering surplus spraying solution in vineyards. These measures reduce the drift effect and associated contamination of the environment, and enhance resource efficiency. Table 6 - Reducing the risk of water, soil and air contamination Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Training professional users in the management of multifunctional protection zones Number of professional users taking part in training per year NPA 1% increase per year in the number of professional users trained NAP validity period 2. Monitoring of compliance with requirements in multifunctional protection zones Number of checks per year ME-NEG 1% increase in the number of checks compared with the average over the period 2013-2017 NAP validity period 3. Promoting technology for reducing spray drift by using low-drift nozzles and screens to recover surplus spraying solution Number of persons taking part in training per year NPA 500 persons trained annually NAP validity period 7. Organising the system for inspecting PPP application equipment The system for inspecting PPP application equipment will be organised and implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, and those of Order No 820/2016 of the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development designating the inspection body for PPP application equipment for professional use and laying down the responsibilities of that body. The mandatory inspections of application equipment must be carried out also in compliance with the provisions set out in Government Decision No 1029/2008 on conditions for the placing of machinery on the market, as amended. The inspection of PPP application equipment will cover all aspects of importance for achieving a high level of safety and protection of human health and the environment. Table 7 - Organising the system for the inspection of PPP application equipment Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Inventorisation of PPP application equipment for professional use. Number of equipment items inventorised NPA Inventorisation of PPP application equipment once every three years NAP validity period 2. Inspection of PPP application equipment for professional use. Number of equipment items inspected per year NPA 5% of inventorised PPP equipment items are inspected annually NAP validity period 3. Creation and updating of a database covering PPP application equipment items for professional use holding an inspection certificate Number of certificates entered per year NPA The certificates must be entered in the database NAP validity period 8. Reducing the effects of course deviation in aerial spraying Aerial spraying can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, in particular due to the effect of PPP drift. Aerial spraying is prohibited, except in special cases, in compliance with Article 9 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. In the special cases where aerial spraying is carried out, PPPs approved by Order No 566/1445/725/2014 of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Health approving a list of PPPs authorised for application by aerial spraying, as amended, will be used. Table 8 - Reducing the effects of course deviation in aerial spraying Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Monitoring of areas treated by aerial spraying. Area treated per year. NPA 2% decrease in areas treated by aerial spraying compared with the average over the period 2013-2017. NAP validity period. Crops treated per year. NPA 2% reduction in the number of crops treated by aerial spraying compared with the average over the period 2013 2017. 9. Reducing the use of PPPs or the associated risks in particular zones The application of PPPs in specific zones established in accordance with Article 12(3) of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, must, particularly in the case of protected natural areas, be reduced to a minimum or prohibited altogether, in compliance with Article 28 and 28 ˄ 1 of Government Emergency Order No 57/2007, approved, as amended, by Law No 49/2011, as amended. For exceptional situations where the use of PPPs is necessary, the competent authorities referred to in Article 12(1) of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, will draw up specific procedures for the application of PPPs in such specific zones. Table 9 - Reducing the use of PPPs or the associated risks in particular zones Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Monitoring of PPPs used in specific zones pursuant to Article 12 of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. Number of checks in specific zones per year NPA ME-NEG 1% increase per year in number of checks NAP validity period 2. Drawing up specific procedures to reduce PPP use or associated risks in particular zones Number of specific procedures issued for reducing PPP use or associated risks in particular zones NPA MH One procedure over the NAP validity period NAP validity period 10. Carrying out information and awareness-raising programmes on reducing risks associated with PPP use In accordance with Article 7(1) of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, information and public awareness campaigns are to be carried out in the form of the following activities: a) presentation of relevant plant protection issues at specialised exhibitions; b) organisation of seminars/working groups; c) publication of information on the internet and in specialist journals; d) radio/TV programmes, advertising spots, folders/brochures. Also recommended is the implementation of information and awareness-raising programmes directed both at professional users - concerning best agricultural practices, the need for integrated management of harmful organisms, the storage and use of PPPs and the conduct of specific activities and at consumers - concerning the safe use of PPPs. To keep the public informed, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will publish annually on its website a report on the results of inspections carried out to monitor PPPs during marketing and use. On the Ministry of Health website, a report will be published annually on cases of acute PPP poisoning and on the development of any chronic cases, with the relevant information being collected in the particular year concerned, in accordance with Article 7(2) of Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013. Table 10 - Implementation of information and awareness-raising programmes on reducing the risks associated with PPP use Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Organisation of public information and awareness-raising campaigns on reducing the risks associated with PPP use Number of public information and awareness-raising sessions/campaigns. campaign NPA ME through NEPA MH Implementation of at least one session/ per year. NAP validity period. 2. Monitoring of acute PPP poisoning cases. Number of acute PPP poisoning cases per year. MH-PHD 2% reduction in the number of cases per year, at least down to a value close to the average for the European Union. NAP validity period. 11. Reducing the impact on pollinating insects Pollinating insects, especially bees, must be protected from the effect of foliar application of PPPs. The NPA, on the basis of notification by professional users, must inform beekeepers about aerial PPP spraying operations at least seven days in advance. With the aim of reducing dust emissions and the negative impact on the environment as well as on the operator and pollinating insects, it is mandatory to use deflectors on vacuum-based pneumatic seed drills used in the sowing of agricultural crops whose seed is treated. Table 11 - Reducing the impact on pollinating insects Measure Risk reduction indicators Responsible Authority/ Institution Quantitative target Period 1. Drawing up recommendations on the foliar application of PPPs with a view to reducing the impact on bees Number of professional users informed per year NPA Informing at least 50% of professional users annually NAP validity period 2. Organising workshops in collaboration with beekeepers’ associations Number of workshops organised per year NPA Organisation of at least one activity per year NAP validity period 3. Monitoring the use of deflectors on vacuum-based pneumatic seed drills used in the sowing of agricultural crops whose seed is treated Number of deflector- use checks per year NPA Annual checking of 30% of vacuum-based pneumatic seed drills used in the sowing of agricultural crops whose seed is treated NAP validity period Conclusions The National Action Plan is aimed at achieving the sustainable use of plant protection products in Romania by reducing the risks associated with PPPs and their effect on human health and the environment, including by promoting the integrated management of harmful organisms. The implementation of the objectives and measures set out in the National Action Plan also has to be aligned with the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy and with the linked sectoral policies in the fields of health and environmental protection. In accordance with Government Emergency Order No 34/2012, approved by Law No 63/2013, the National Action Plan highlights the specific objectives and measures that are of relevance for the following issues: the system of training for professional users, distributors and advisors; the marketing, handling and storage of PPPs; the aerial spraying of PPPs and the inspection of application equipment; specific measures for water, soil and air protection; the use of PPPs in specific zones; the integrated management of harmful organisms; and the implementation of information and awareness raising programmes on the use of PPPs. An important element for measuring the objectives under the National Action Plan is the definition of risk indicators permitting the periodic monitoring of progress made over the NAP’s implementation period. The measures are aimed at ensuring that PPPs are used responsibly, having regard to their effect on human health and the environment. The results achieved through implementation of the measures under the National Action Plan will be made available to the European Commission and to the other Member States on request. Depending on how European plant health legislation - especially the framework directive on the sustainable use of PPPs - and the process of annual evaluation of the National Action Plan evolve, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will initiate the process for reviewing and updating the NAP, i.e. for amending and supplementing the decision of the Government, which will approve or repeal it as the case may be. The National Action Plan will be available on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the Plant Health section under the heading ‘Sustainable use of plant protection products’.