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Leaked Memos Show EU Pesticide Lobby Stalling Safety, Costing €1.8 B

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Leaked memos show Copa-Cogeca and pesticide lobbyists coordinated to block EU pesticide safety reforms and a Commission proposal that would end safety reassessments.
On 15 July, Copa-Cogeca and Croplife EU hosted urging MEPs to dismantle pesticide authorisation rules as farmers face exposure linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Documents show the lobby also aims to delay climate reforms, weaken red-meat health criteria, raise thresholds for industrial farms, costing €1.8 billion in health benefits.

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Story summary

Leaked memos show Copa-Cogeca and pesticide lobbyists coordinated to block EU pesticide safety reforms and a Commission proposal that would end safety reassessments.
On 15 July, Copa-Cogeca and Croplife EU hosted urging MEPs to dismantle pesticide authorisation rules as farmers face exposure linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Documents show the lobby also aims to delay climate reforms, weaken red-meat health criteria, raise thresholds for industrial farms, costing €1.8 billion in health benefits.