Banning Harmful Pesticides
We are proud to support the important work of Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), whose legal and scientific efforts to reduce the use of the most problematic pesticides are strengthening environmental protection in Germany and across the European Union. Following a key ruling by the European Court of Justice, which expanded the rights of environmental organisations to challenge harmful product approvals, DUH initiated a series of strategic legal actions to address risks posed by toxic pesticides. These efforts protect biodiversity, groundwater, soil ecosystems, and public health across the EU and even beyond.
In 2024, DUH advanced essential legal proceedings against pesticides containing substances such as Glyphosate, Flufenacet, S-Metolachlor, and other hazardous agents. Several of these cases have already shown significant impact, including the withdrawal of approvals, confirmation of DUH’s legal standing, and the EU’s decision not to renew the approvals of certain harmful substances.
Beyond litigation, DUH exposed major shortcomings in regulatory enforcement. Their nationwide information requests revealed that farms in Germany are inspected, on average, only once every 65 years, with penalties often too low to be a deterrent - highlighting the urgent need for stronger oversight.
DUH also worked closely with scientific experts, authorities, and partner organisations to address issues such as the decline of endangered species like the Mosel Apollo butterfly and to strengthen national policy through processes like the Zukunftsprogramm Pflanzenschutz.
The Families for Nature Foundation supported this project over a sustained period, providing financial backing for legal actions, scientific assessments, and project coordination. This includes contributing to personnel capacity and covering parts of the procedural and legal costs, enabling DUH to pursue complex cases effectively and consistently.
Through strong public communication and media engagement, DUH ensures that the risks of hazardous pesticides remain visible in public debate. Their work is now recognised across national and specialist media outlets. DUH’s combination of legal expertise, science-based analysis, and persistent advocacy makes it a highly effective force for environmental protection. Its work is already leading to stronger safeguards for ecosystems and public health in Germany and the EU.
We are pleased to contribute to this essential long-term effort and to support DUH in reducing the most harmful pesticides and strengthening environmental law.