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Population growth, increase in food consumption, and export of agricultural products (crops as well as meat) result in enhanced agriculture production, which mostly relies on extensive use of pesticides (FAO & IWMI, 2017). In Europe, the volume of pesticide sales has remained about constant since 2011 (Figure 2.1). The groups with the highest sales are fungicides, bactericides and herbicides (some 80% of the total pesticide sale). France, Italy, Spain and Germany sold together over 65 % of the total volumes reported in the EU (Agri-environmental indicator - consumption of pesticides - Statistics Explained 2019). However, the share of tonnes of pesticide sales does not allow any statement about the risk to human health and the environment.

Figure 2.1 Sales of pesticides, EU-28, 2011-2017 

Note : This figure does not take into account confidential values. They represent < 3% of the total of sales over the entire time series.

Source : Eurostat (online data code : aei_fm_salpest09). https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/images/1/18/Sales_of_pesticides%2C_EU-28%2C_2011-2017_%28tonnes%29.png