НАЦИОНАЛЕН ПЛАН ЗА ДЕЙСТВИЕbgcpa.eu/userfiles/files/NAP_EN.docx · Web viewOver the second half of the 20th century, a trend was observed at a European level

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF PESTICIDES IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD 3

INTRODUCTION 4

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 5

I. LEGAL FRAMEWORK 7

II. COMPETENT AUTHORITIES 11

III. PLACING ON THE MARKET AND USE OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

18

IV. GOALS 20

V. MEASURES 21

1. TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL USERS OF PESTICIDES, DISTRIBUTORS AND ADVISORS

21

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR SALES OF PESTICIDES 24

3. HANDLING AND STORING PESTICIDES, AND DISPOSING OF THEIR EMPTY PACKAGING AND PESTICIDE REMNANTS

28

4. INSPECTION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT 35

5. AERIAL SPRAYING 37

6. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT 41

7. REDUCTION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE LEVELS IN FOOD OF PLANT ORIGIN (PRODUCED IN BULGARIA)

47

8. SPECIFIC MEASURES TO PROTECT THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT AND DRINKING WATER

50

9. ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION MEASURES 57

10. INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC 58

11. INFORMATION AND AWARENESS-RAISING 60

12. REDUCTION OF PESTICIDE USE OR RISKS IN SPECIFIC AREAS

62

VI. INDICATORS USED IN THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF PESTICIDED IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

64

VII. FINANCING 68

VIII. DEADLINES 72

IX. ACCOUNTABILITY 73

X. GLOSSARY 89

XI. SUMMARY 95

FOREWORD

Following from Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union, Bulgaria introduced the requirements of a number of legislative acts on agriculture and plant protection in particular which shall be implemented and reported either at present or in the coming years.

Over the second half of the 20th century, a trend was observed at a European level for increased use of plant protection products in agriculture. Following the findings from the studies and analyses carried out on the side effects of pesticides on human health and the environment, over the last 20 years the European Union has focused its agricultural policy on reducing the dependency on the use of pesticides and ensuring the safety of the users of agricultural products.

“The sustainable use of pesticides” is an example of a new requirement in the European policy which aims at both ensuring the production of good-quality agricultural products and achieving a high level of safety and protection of human health and the environment from the impacts of pesticides.

This National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides has been developed with the expertise and cooperation of all competent state institutions and stakeholders such as agricultural associations, the industry and non-governmental organizations. The initiative, coordination and the overall development of the plan was carried out by the experts with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.

The Action Plan sets out the goals Bulgaria will pursue in the coming years and the means to do that. The Action Plan sets the indicators used to measure progress towards achieving the goals and measures set. Achieving sustainable use of pesticides in Bulgaria in the coming years will be followed by means of generalizing and analyzing the data on the use of plant protection products and their impacts on human health and the environment.

The successful implementation of this Action Plan by the competent institutions shall enable Bulgaria to fulfill its obligations related to the requirement of the European Union for the sustainable use of pesticides.

We believe in achieving a high level of safety and protection of human health and the environment.

Boyko Borisov

Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

INTRODUCTION

Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides requires that Bulgaria prepares its National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.

Even though the authorization process of plant protection products including tests, field tests, laboratory analyses, assessments and data guarantees that plant protection products placed on the market are both safe for humans and the environment and efficient against economically important pest capable of compromising the harvest of crops, the directive on the sustainable use of pesticides poses the following special requirements to be met by the Member States:

access to initial and additional training of all professional users, distributors and advisors and a certification scheme for the people who acquired sufficient knowledge;

sales of pesticides;

information and awareness raising programmes on pesticides;

systems for gathering information on pesticide acute poisoning incidents and chronic poisoning developments;

inspection of equipment in use;

aerial spraying;

protection of the aquatic environment and drinking water;

reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas;

handling of pesticides and treatment of their packaging and remnants of plant protection products;

storage of pesticides;

integrated pest management;

risk indicators.

This National Action Plan describes how the Republic of Bulgaria guarantees the implementation of the requirements in these areas of business. The National Action Plan sets up the objectives, measures, timetables and indicators to reduce risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. Steps to encourage the development and introduction of integrated pest management and of alternative approaches or techniques in order to reduce dependency on the use of pesticides are laid down in accordance with the requirements of the directive. The Directive also provides for monitoring by the Member States of the use of plant protection products containing active substances of particular concern and establishing timetables and targets for the reduction of their use, in particular if the reduction of use constitutes an appropriate means to achieve risk reduction.

When drawing up the National Action Plans of the Republic of Bulgaria, the health, social, economic and environmental impacts of the measures envisaged, and of specific national, regional and local conditions have been taken into account.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

International organizations and laws

EFSA European Food Safety Authority

ISO International Organization for Standardization

RASFF Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed

EC European Commission

EC European Community

EU European Union

WA Water Act

PPA Plant Protection Act

Ministries and state institutions

BFSA Bulgarian Food Safety Agency

BD Basin Directorates to the MEW

WSS Water supply and sewerage

DGCAA Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration

EA BAS Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service

EEA Executive Environment Agency

PPI Plant Protection Institute

TCI Technical Control Inspectorate

MH Ministry of Health

MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Food

MEW Ministry of Environment and Water

CM Council of Ministers

MTITC Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

NRL National Reference Laboratory

NPPS National Plant Protection Service

DFSD District Food Safety Directorates

RHI Regional Health Inspectorates

REWI Regional Environment and Water Inspectorates

CLVCE Central Laboratory of Veterinary Control and Ecology

CLCTC Central Laboratory for Chemical Testing and Controls

RAC Risk Assessment Centre

Parameters, norms, plans, programmes, etc.

AEA Agri-environmental area

BGCPA Bulgarian Crop Protection Industry Association

BDS Bulgarian State Standard

LV Limit values

SG State Gazette

WPA Water protection areas

F Farmer

MV Mandatory values

IPM Integrated Pest Management

MAC Maximum allowable concentration

MRLs Maximum Residue Levels

NEN National Environmental Network

NAP National Action Plan

NAPSUP National Action Plan for the sustainable use of pesticides

GB Groundwater bodies

MC Maximum concentration

ET Economic Threshold

PPPs Plant Protection Products

RBMP River Basin Management Plans

QMS Quality Management System

N.I.Pirogov UMHATEM

N.I.Pirogov Multiprofile hospital for active treatment and emergency medicine

POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants

I. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides of the Republic of Bulgaria has been drafted and adopted pursuant to Article 4 of Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (OJ, L 309 of 24.11.2009) and the Plant Protection Act (PPA).

The National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides has been developed in accordance with other plans and measures developed at a national level under other provisions of the EU acquis and the national legislation on pesticides:

I. Plans for implementation under other legislative acts of the European Community on pesticides:

- Updated National Action Plan on the management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2012-2020, adopted by Decision of the Council of Ministers on 5th September 2012.;

- National Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in Bulgaria in the period 2006-2013;

- River Basin Management Plans (Danube, Black Sea, East Aegean Sea and West Aegean Sea)

II. Other key legislative acts of the European acquis and the national legislation regarding the sustainable use of pesticides:

- 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;

- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 of 25 May 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of approved active substances;

- Commission Regulation (EU) No 544/2011 of 10 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the data requirements for active substances;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 545/2011 of 10 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the data requirements for plant protection products;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 546/2011 of 10 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards uniform principles for evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 547/2011 of 8 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards labelling requirements for plant protection products;

- COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 1274/2011 of 7 December 2011 concerning a coordinated multiannual control programme of the Union for 2012, 2013 and 2014 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides and to assess the consumer exposure to pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin

- 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;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 669/2009 of 24 July 2009 implementing Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the increased level of official controls on imports of certain feed and food of non-animal origin and amending Decision 2006/504/EC;

- Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs;

- Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH);

- Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on persistent organic pollutants and amending Directive 79/117/EEC;

- Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/91 of 16 December 1991 on the harmonization of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 2042/2003 of 20 November 2003 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, parts and appliances, and on the approval of organisations and personnel involved in these tasks;

- Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation;

- COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

- Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds;

- Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora;

- Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy;

- Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC,

84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;

- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption;

- DIRECTIVE 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters;

- DIRECTIVE 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives;

- COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work;

- Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work;

- Food Act;

- Feed Act;

- Health Act;

- Occupational Safety and Health Act;

- Environment Protection Act;

- Water Act;

- Soil Act;

- Biodiversity Act;

- Protected Areas Act;

- Protection against the Harmful Impact of Chemical Substances and Mixtures Act;

- Waste Management Act;

- Registration and Control of Agricultural and Forestry Equipment Act;

- Civil Aviation Act;

- Territory Structure Act;

- Ordinance No 104 of 22.08.2006 establishing control over the marketing and use of plant protection products;

- Ordinance No 11 on sanitary and hygienic requirements to the organization and work of phytosanitary pharmacies;

- Ordinance on the requirements to the warehouses, transportation and storage of plant protection products;

- Ordinance No 112 of 13 October 2006 on the specific requirements to the fumigation and decontamination of areas, premises and plant crops against pest;

- Ordinance No 15 of 3 August 2007 on the conditions and procedure for integrated production of plants and plant products and their designation

- Ordinance No 15 of 8 April 2004 on measures to protect bees and bee families from poisoning and methods for carrying out plant protection, disinfection and disinsection activities;

- Ordinance No 54 of 28 November 2002 on the conditions and procedure for the organization of monitoring, diagnostics, forecasting and alerting for pest of crops;

- Ordinance No 31 of 29 December 2003 on the maximum pesticide residue levels in foodstuffs;

- Ordinance No 119 of 21.12.2006 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals, raw materials and animal products for human consumption;

- Ordinance on the conditions and procedure for marketing biocides;

- Ordinance No 7 of 23 April 2008 on the conditions and procedure for providing information about marketed biocides and/or chemicals which are classified as hazardous based on their physical, chemical and toxicological properties and of information about any real or suspected poisoning incident by chemicals, preparations and biocides

- Ordinance No 4 on soil monitoring

- Ordinance No 3 of 1 August 2008 on the maximum allowable concentration of harmful substances in soils

- Ordinance No 1 of 11 April 2011 on water monitoring;

- Ordinance on the environmental quality standards for priority substances and other pollutants;

- Ordinance No 9 of 16 March 2001 on water quality for drinking and domestic use;

- Ordinance No 11 on bathing water quality;

- Ordinance No 12 on quality requirements to surface water for drinking and domestic use;

- Ordinance on the requirements to bottled natural mineral, spring and table drinking water;

- Ordinance No 5 of 30 May 2008 on bathing water quality management;

- Ordinance No 7 of 8 August 1986 on the indicators and standards for establishing the quality of flowing surface water

- Ordinance No 3 of 16 October 2000 on the conditions and procedure for development, design, approval and exploitation of safeguard zones around water sources and drinking and domestic water supply facilities and around mineral water sources for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and hygienic use;

- Ordinance No 1 of 10 October 2007 on groundwater development, use and conservation;

- Ordinance No 13 of 2 April 2007 on the characteristics of surface waters;

- Ordinance No 3 on mandatory preliminary and regular medical checks of workers;

- Ordinance No 24 of 15.02.2000 on certificates issued to aviation operators performing specialized aviation activities

- Ordnance on the procedure and manner of classification, packaging and labeling of chemical substances and mixtures

- Ordinance No 3 of 1 April 2004 on waste classification

II. COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

The BULGARIAN FOOD SAFETY AGENCY (BFSA) is the single body controlling food quality and safety in the Republic of Bulgaria. The Agency was set up in the early 2011. The BFSA complies with the best European practices of high standards in control over food quality and safety, plant protection products (PPPs), fertilizers, etc. The BFSA sets the requirements to PPPs and fertilizers, the procedure for testing, authorisation and control of production, repackaging, storage, marketing and use and the Agency also carries out official control to protect human and animal health and the environment. The BFSA controls plant and animal raw materials and foodstuffs and feed for pollutants and implements annually the National Programme for Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in and on Food and Feed of Plant and Animal Origin. The BFSA also controls the marketing and use of PPPs in accordance with the Single Multi-Annual National Control Plan (SMNCP). The main goal of controls over the placing on the market, storage, repackaging and use of plant protection products is to ensure the safety of food of plant origin.

Plant Protection Products and Fertilizers Directorate with the BFSA methodologically manages and coordinates the work of the District Food Safety Directorates in the area of plant protection, PPPs and fertilizers. This Directorate administers and coordinates the authorisation of PPPs for marketing and use. This Directorate organizes, manages and controls biological testing carried out for effectiveness and for remnants of plant protection products in the BFSA facilities and on the premises of natural persons and legal entities in accordance with the Good Experimental Practice. This Directorate evaluates compliance of PPPs with the indicators approved during the authorisation procedure. The Directorate drafts and updates the lists of PPPs authorised for the placing on the market and use and registered fertilizers, soil improvers, biologically active substances and growing substrates. This Directorate runs and coordinates the work of District Food Safety Directorates regarding the control over the placing on the market, sale and use of plant protection products and fertilizers. This Directorate also keeps registers of the authorisations issued for trade in plant protection products, repackaging of plant protection products and for specialized plant protection services. This Directorate also has the function of running and coordinating control over the use of plant protection products in compliance with the principles of the Good Plant

Protection Practice and, in integrated production, in accordance with the provisions of the Plant Protection Act.

Laboratory Activity Directorate with the BFSA coordinates laboratory and diagnostic research, analyses and expertise related to plants, raw materials and food. This Directorate takes part in the development of programmes to raise the quality of laboratories at the Agency and keeps a register of laboratories with the BFSA.

Central Laboratory for Chemical Testing and Controls (CLCTC) is a specialized structure with the status of Directorate with the BFSA. It was set up in 1966 to deliver information services to greenhouse producers in Bulgaria and since 1986 it has been authorized by Decision of the Council of Ministers to control plant production for harmful chemical substances and the quality of agrochemicals. The laboratory has an integrated nature and controls both products meant for agriculture such as pesticides and fertilizers and raw materials and food of plant origin. Its main duty is to control food of non-animal origin for contaminants. The laboratory carries out tests in accordance with the legal acts for pesticide remnants, mycotoxins and pollutants from the environment, plant protection products, minerals and organic fertilizers, local production and imports for compliance with physical and chemical indicators.

Pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables, fresh, frozen or dried and derived products; cereals (grain) and derived products, roasted coffee, instant coffee, green coffee, cocoa and cocoa products, tea, herbs and spices; wine.

Mycotoxin content in nuts, dried fruit and derived fruit, cereals (grain) and derived products, roasted coffee, instant coffee, green coffee, cocoa and cocoa products, tea, herbs and spices, fruit juices, fruit nectars and fruit concentrates, pectin.

Element analysis in fresh, frozen or dried vegetables and fruit and derived products, tea, herbs and spices, cereals (grain) and derived products, beer and wine.

Nitrates in fresh or frozen vegetables and fruit and derived products, processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children;

Physico-chemical analyses of inorganic straight fertilizers, inorganic complex fertilizers, inorganic fluid fertilizers;

Active bases of plant protection products for compliance.

The CLCTC has a Quality Management System developed and operating and it has been certified for all its activities by Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service in line with the requirements of the BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025.

By Order of the Minister of Agriculture and Food, the CLCTC has been designated as the National Reference Laboratory to carry out analyses of pesticide remnants in fruit and vegetables.

The CLCTC is based in modern premises. It is equipped with the most advanced analysis equipment and it has highly skilled experts which enables the laboratory to comply with the European standards in its work.

Ever since 1990 the laboratory has constantly upgraded its conventional and analytical equipment and at present the laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment to carry out analyses in the scope of GC, GC, GC/MS/MS, HPLC, AAS, ICP, etc.

The Risk Assessment Centre (RAC) is the unit with the BFSA for data monitoring, collection and analyses which enables description and independent scientific evaluation of risks with direct or indirect impact on the safety of food, feed, human health, plant health, etc. This unit conducts independent scientific evaluations commissioned by state authorities, natural persons and legal entities or by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The work of RAC is focused on raising public awareness of risks and hazards arising from improper use of plant protection products and of possible content of increased values of PPP residues in food.

District Food Safety Directorates (DFSD). The BFSA has 28 district directorates operating in the territory of the relevant district. The inspectors at the DFSD prepare opinions in response to applications for authorisations for trade and repackaging of plant protection products, control the plant protection products and fertilizers placed on the market and their use, monitor the implementation of programmes for reduction and prevention of pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources in vulnerable areas, implement national programmes for monitoring of pesticide residues in food, carry out border control of plant protection products and fertilizers, etc.

THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD (MAF) implements the national policy for the development of plant and livestock production and related activities, implements the national policy on grain production, trade and storage of grain and grain processing, feed production, trade and use, the national policy for control of food of plant or animal origin, raw materials, animal by-products and derived products and specific plant products and the Ministry monitors compliance with the requirements for food, the measures and conditions to ensure their hygiene and safety for human health and the environment. The Ministry organizes, coordinates and controls the activities related to conservation of agricultural and forest lands, ensures the funding of projects and programmes in the area of agriculture and rural areas from the state budget via special funds and the European Union funds; organizes, coordinates and controls the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU Food Safety Policy, etc.

Animal Health and Food Safety Directorate supports the Minister to develop, coordinate and implement the Ministry’s policy on food quality and safety and feed safety, coordinates the development of a single multi-annual national plan for official control carried out to ensure check of compliance with the feed and food legislation and prepares an annual report for the plan implementation, coordinates the efficient conduct of activities under the Codex Alimentarius in Bulgaria, has set up and maintains Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in the Republic of Bulgaria, takes part in joint actions with the European Food Safety Authority, the World Health Organization the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN as well as with other international organizations on food and feed safety.

Plant Production Directorate supports the Minister to develop and implement the national policy on plant production, conducts analyses of agricultural crops together with District

Farming Directorates to establish their current condition in accordance with the agroclimatic conditions and prepares a report to the Minister, takes part in the development, monitoring, update and control over the Conditions for maintaining the land in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC), manages the activities related to the implementation of the National Plan for the development of Organic Farming in Bulgaria in the period 2006-2013, takes part in the Committee for the management of the implementation of the National Plan for the development of Organic Farming in Bulgaria, in the Standing Committee on Organic Farming (SCOF) and in working groups at the EU level.

Agriculture and Land Tenure Directorate General supports the Minister in the implementation of the national policy on agriculture and the implementation of the EU CAP, coordinates and assists the Minister in controlling the overall work of the specialized territorial structures with the Ministry, develops and updates the Land Plot Identification System and specialized databases and registers related to it, organizes, coordinates and controls the activities related to the updating of the digital orthophoto map and creating and keeping up-to-date of the physical units in a manner consistent with the goals of various schemes and measures under the EU CAP that require area registration, keeps an information system for the register of farmers at a central and district level, coordinates the activities related to the implementation of the Protection of Agricultural Property Act (PAPA), Protection of Agricultural Land Act (PALA), Ownership and Use of Agricultural Land Act, Repossession of Forests and Lands from the Forest Fund Act and the Protection of Agricultural Land Act (PALA) and the ordinances for their implementation, prepares an annual balance sheet of agricultural lands and forests, creates, processes and analyzes agricultural statistical data; designs, develops and keeps agricultural databases, coordinates statistical data collection from the administrative structures with the Ministry, provides data and prepares analyses for the audit missions of the European Commission related to the Singe Area Payment Scheme (SAPS).

THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND WATER (MEW) manages, coordinates and controls the development and implementation of the national policy on environment protection and on water protection and use. The MEW controls and monitors the pollution of the environment components (air, soils, surface and groundwater) with chemical pollutants.

Water Management Directorate implements the national water management policy, develops national programmes on water protection and sustainable development, organizes and manages water monitoring, develops the national policy on bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the area of water use and protection, defines safeguard zones of water abstraction facilities for spring water, of water abstraction facilities situated in the territory of national parks, of complex and significant dams used to supply drinking water and domestic use water, draws the list of priority substances and priority hazardous substances, approves methodologies for water research in areas without where Bulgarian standards do not exist as well as methodologies for the analysis of the data obtained from water monitoring.

Directorate National Service for Environment Protection prepares draft legislation on environment protection, implements procedures to define and change protected areas and protection areas, conducts procedures to commission, adopt or endorse management plans of protected areas and protection areas, conducts procedures to commission and endorse action

plans for plant and animal species, develops and coordinates control over compliance with restrictive regimes for vulnerable biological resources, organizes data collection, update and storage for the National Environmental Network and the development of specialized maps, registers an information systems based on this data, provides methodological support to regional authorities with regard to the control of protected areas, protection areas and biodiversity, maintains contacts and coordination with other agencies and organizations regarding protected areas, protection areas and biodiversity protection.

The Minister of Environment and Water, via the heads of National Park Directorates and within the boundaries the national park territory, controls compliance with bans and restrictions within the boundaries of safeguard zones, monitors and controls the elements and factors of the environment having impact on the state of water.

Directorate Waste Management and Soil Protection manages, coordinates and controls the development and implementation of the national waste management policy including hazardous waste and soil protection.

Directorate Prevention Activity implements the policy on prevention and prevention control over environmental pollution including the policy on the implementation of international conventions on chemicals management, the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in international trade, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and transboundary effects of industrial accidents, takes part in the drafting of proposals for substance evaluation, proposals for the identification of particularly hazardous substances for authorisation and proposals for restriction of chemicals, carries out activities related to the import and export of hazardous chemicals, provides information to the public about risks and safe use of chemicals.

The MEW operates on a national and international level via the Executive Environment Agency (EAA), 16 Regional Environment and Water Inspectorates (REWI) and 4 Basin Directorates (BD).

The Executive Environment Agency (EAA) is an administrative structure with the Minister of Environment and Water with management, coordination and information functions related to the control and protection of the environment. The Agency designs and runs the National Environmental Monitoring System and data about the state of the elements and factors of the environment in the territory of Bulgaria. The Agency is a National Coordination Centre with the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The Ministry of Environment and Water carries out the following tasks via the Executive Environment Agency: the Ministry carries out laboratory and field research to establish the state of water, carries out water monitoring at the national level, maintains a Geographic Information System about waters at a national level, prepares an annual yearbook about the state of the water, issues a regular news bulletin about the state of water resources in the Republic of Bulgaria based on data from the monitoring carried out of the ecological and chemical status of water, sets up and keeps specialized databases, maps, registers and an information system about waters.

Directorate Monitoring and Environment Assessment has many functions including the following: administer the National Environment Monitoring System, carry out analyses and evaluations of the state of the elements and factors of the environment, prepares a nationally representative information about the state of the environment and natural resources, creates, processes and reports data to the European Environment Agency and other international institutions, creates, processes and submits competent data in a certain format regarding the implementation of reporting obligations to the European Commission and the application of

the acquis in the area of environment, carries out quality analysis and an assessment of the data from water monitoring at a national level, including the monitoring of marine environment, establishes an inventory of emissions, discharges and losses for each river basin district or part of a river basin district in its territory of all priority substances and pollutants in compliance with the requirements of Council Directive 2008/105/ЕC, organizes the operation of the water information system at a national level, drafts complex documentation related to the accreditation and re-accreditation procedures of the calibration laboratory in compliance with the requirements of BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2006.

Directorate General Laboratory and Analytical Activity has functions related to sampling and laboratory analyses to ensure the work of the National Environmental Monitoring System (NEMS) in response to requests from water management basin directorates, regional environment and water inspectorates, external customers, as well as following alerts and complaints by citizens, governmental and non-governmental organizations, carries out tests of the ambient air quality, the surface, groundwater, waste, drinking and mineral water quality and soil quality.

The Directorate provides methodological support and controls the analysis quality of 14 regional laboratories, takes part in the development, harmonization and application of standard documents in compliance with the requirements of the European acquis in the area of environment control, takes part in comparative interlaboratory tests at a national, European and international level to ensure quality assurance and control of the analyses carried out, prepares complex documentation related to the accreditation and re-accreditation procedures of the calibration laboratory in compliance with the requirements of BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2006.

The 14 regional laboratories carry out sampling, field measurements and laboratory tests of surface waters (including standing water) at the NEMS stations and the network for monitoring of abiotic factors in national parks, groundwater at the NEMS stations and for the purpose of their own monitoring, waste water from the facilities subject to mandatory control and for the purpose of their own monitoring and surface waters for drinking and domestic use. They carry out sampling and testing of soil from the stations in the National Soil Monitoring System and the network for soil monitoring of national parks. They also carry out sampling and analysis for external customers. The regional laboratories have tasks related to control, complaints, alerts and incidents regarding the state of the environment. The regional laboratories near the Danube River and the Black Sea take samples and test the Danube water (implement the monitoring programme of the River Danube) and marine water.

The regional laboratories apply modern recognized methodology for laboratory measurements and their devices and equipment meet the best international quality standards (ISO 9001). They have systems for internal laboratory control over all tested samples in line with the requirements for good laboratory practice and they regularly take part in comparative interlaboratory tests.

The Regional Environment and Water Inspectorates (REWI) are administrative structures with the Minister of Environment and Water ensuring the implementation of the national environment protection policy at a regional level.

The Minister of Environment and Water carries out the following tasks via the Regional Environment and Water Inspectorates within their territorial scope: monitors waste water, control the facilities generating waste water, including waste water treatment plants in communities, the parameters and compliance with the conditions and requirements of the waste water discharge certificates and permits issued pursuant to the Environment Protection Act, controls accident releases of waste water, keeps a database for monitoring carried out,

including their own monitoring of the holders of issued permits, of quantitative and qualitative aspects of waste water and control over the state of waste water; keeps an up-to-date lists of the facilities generating emissions of priority substances and priority hazardous substances, general and specific pollutants.

Basin Directorates (BD). The Head of the Basin Directorate implements the national policy on basin water management, develops the river basin management plan, plans and takes part in water monitoring, summarizes and analyzes data related to the chemical and ecological status of water, waste water, keeps specialized water databases, maps, registers and information systems, develops programmes with measures to improve, protect and maintain the state of the water, designates safeguard zones around drinking and domestic water facilities, issues a regular bulletin on the state of water and creates and keeps a database about controls carried out by the Basin Directorate.

The MINISTRY OF HEALTH (MH) is a competent authority regarding the implementation of the EU and national legislation on drinking water and water for domestic consumption, bottled drinking water (mineral, spring and table water) and bathing water. With regard to fulfilling its obligations in this area and via its territorial offices, i.e. 28 Regional Health Inspectorates, the Ministry monitors the quality of drinking water (together with the water supply and sewerage operators) (including for presence of plant protection products). The Ministry also controls bottled drinking water together with the producers of bottled, spring and table water. In cases of targeted control and research, analyses of pesticides are also carried out in bathing water and bottled water. Where water pollution has been established, the relevant steps are taken to correct discrepancies and inform the public and the users.

Information about the analyses carried out and the findings regarding drinking and bottled water and bathing water shall be submitted under this National Plan.

In accordance with its obligations pursuant to the Protection from Harmful Impact of Chemical Substances and Mixtures Act, the Ministry of Health (via the Toxicology Clinic N.I.Pirogov Multiprofile hospital for active treatment and emergency medicine) is also the competent authority for the collection and analysis of data about acute and chronic poisoning incidents with plant protection products. This information will also be provided for the purpose of implementing this programme.

The TECHNICAL CONTROL INSPECTORATE (TCI) regulates public relations with regard to the marketing, registration, commissioning, decommissioning, technical control and safety of agricultural and forestry machinery and acquisition of professional ability to work with such machinery. The marketing, registration and commissioning of crawler tractors and wheel tractors, trailers and interchangeable towed machinery will be carried out only with a valid certificate for compliance with the approved type. The TCI registers self-propelled vehicles with engine power in excess of 10 kW, non-self-propelled and stationary vehicles, facilities, installations and apparatuses used in agriculture and forestry. The TCI has the right to control and suspend machinery which is not registered, technically faulty and unsafe, as well as machinery which has not had its annual technical inspection. The TCI complies with the legal requirements for organising trainings, exams and issuing working certificates for professional ability to work with farm and forestry equipment.

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration is the national control authority for civil aviation and civil aircraft. Pursuant to Article 8(1) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA), the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications manages and controls

civil aviation and civil aircraft and facilities in the Republic of Bulgaria. Pursuant to Article 8(2) of the CAA, the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications exercises his/her powers under paragraph 1 via Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration.

I. PLACING ON THE MARKET AND USE OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Plant protection products shall be authorised fo r p l ac i ng on t he m a rk e t a nd u s e in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria when they meet the requirements laid down in 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.

Plant protection products in the Republic of Bulgaria shall be placed on the market and used following an authorisation granted by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (art.55) lays down that plant protection products shall be used properly. Proper use includes the application of the principles of good plant protection practice and compliance with the conditions set out in the authorisation and specified on the labelling. Proper use also means compliance with the provisions of Directive 2009/128/EC and, in particular, with general principles of integrated pest management, as referred to in Article 14 and Annex III to that Directive, which shall apply as from 1 January 2014 at the latest.

With regard to the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 concerning statistics on pesticides, the competent authorities in the area of statistics of plant protection products shall be as follows:

Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Directorate General Agriculture and Land Tenure, Department Agricultural Statistics regarding the statistics on the annual quantities of plant protection products used in agriculture;

Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Directorate Plant Protection Products and Fertilizers, Department Control of Plant Protection Products and Fertilizers regarding the statistics on the annual quantities of plant protection products placed on the market.

TABLE 1. Number of authorised plant protection products in the Republic of Bulgaria and number of active substances contained in them (as of October 2012):

Function Number of PPPs Number of active substances1. Fungicides 165 672. Insecticides including 136 61- acaricides 15- nematicides 8- rodenticides 4- limacides 2- bioinsecticides 11- repellents 23. Pheromones 274. Herbicides including 181 73- desiccants and defoliants 35. Growth regulators 10

TOTAL: 519 201

The up-to-date LIST OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS authorised for placing on the market and use in the Republic of Bulgaria is published on the website of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency:

http://www. babh.government.bg/bg/register1.html

IV. GOALS

To reduce dependency on the use of pesticides, the National Action Plan for the sustainable use of pesticides shall have 2 main goals and the following objectives to each of them:

I. Reduce risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment including:

human protection:

1. preventive protection of consumers by reducing pesticide residues in food of plant origin;

2 . mi t i ga t ion o f r i s k s from pesticide residues in food intended for children as the most vulnerable group of consumers;

3. prevention and/or reduction of risks from pesticide residues in drinking water and bottled water;

4. protection of professional users, operators and farm workers by reduced exposure to pesticides;

5. protection of residents and bystanders (accidentally residing or passing persons) in areas where pesticides are used by prevention and/or reduction of the exposure of the above people to the impact of pesticides;

6. protection of the general public and vulnerable groups of people, by prevention and/or reduction of risks from pesticides in public areas and recreation grounds;

7. protection of non-professional users applying pesticides on personal farms, garden, yards, etc.

environment protection:

1. prevention and/or reduction of pesticide pollution of water and soil;

2. prevention and/or mitigation of risks f r o m pesticide residues in water sources, surface and groundwater;

3. prevention and/or reduction of the impact of pesticides on biodiversity with particular attention paid to bees and other non-target organisms.

II. Promote the use of integrated pest management and alternative approaches or techniques to pesticide including:

1. development of integrated pest management systems and alternative approaches or techniques for plant protection;

2. introduction of integrated pest management by means of information campaigns and by providing incentives, including financial ones, to farmers complying with the general and/or specific principles of integrated pest management;

3. promotion of the use of non-chemical alternatives to pesticides where applicable.

V. MEASURES

MEASURE 1. TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL USERS OF PESTICIDES, DISTRIBUTORS AND ADVISORS

The Republic of Bulgaria shall improve its system of initial and additional training for professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors and shall introduce a certification system for the persons who use PPPs in the course of their professional activity such as distributors, advisors and professional users. The implementation of this measure shall guarantee that people working with pesticides are fully aware of the potential risks to human health and the environment and of the appropriate measures to reduce those risks as much as possible.

Since 2008 inspectors from the former regional plant protection services (current District Food Safety Directorates) have organized annual trainings entitled “Basic training of farmers to use plant protection products from the second category pursuant to Article 26 of Ordinance No 104 of 22 August 2006 on the control over the placing on the market and use of plant protection products” in the territory of all 28 administrative districts. Inspectors also carried out trainings on integrated production, good plant protection practices, economically important pest by crops and areas, legislative requirements to plant protection products and fertilizers, forecasts and alerts, quarantine pest, protection of bees and other topical issues related to plant protection.

Information about the impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment and ways of safe and proper use of such products is included in the programme of all these trainings.

The table below presents information about the number of trained farmers in the period 2008– 2011 based on BFSA data:

Year Total farmers trained

2008 1698

(including 1006 under Article 26 of Ordinance No 104)

2009 1697 (including 1152 under Article 26 of Ordinance No 104)

2010 2045


2011 1320


Table 2 data:

● Trained farmers as of 31.12.2011 – 6760 farmers

● Number of registered farmers of plant production as of 14.10.2011 – 45286 farmers

Persons handling plant protection products from a professional category of use in the course of their professional activity shall have sufficient knowledge regarding the subjects listed in Annex I of Directive 2009/128/EC. These persons shall have to pass successfully a written exam in order to obtain a certificate.

Exception: Persons who have completed their higher education with a degree in agronomy shall obtain a certificate by right without passing a written exam. To renew thei r ce r t i f i ca te after its expiry date, these persons sha l l sit a test to verify that their up-to-date knowledge.

The certificates for initial and additional training of professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors shall be issued by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The certificates shall be valid for a

term of 5 years. The certificate shall be withdrawn in the event of two or more infringements of the PPA committed during the validity term of the certificate.

The trainings to acquire qualifications/legal capacity to work with plant protection products from the professional category of use1 and to raise the acquired qualifications/competence shall be organized by higher schools and institutions in the vocational education and training system. The trainings shall be carried out in accordance with programmes approved by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and developed by the training institutions in advance in line with the specific functions and responsibilities of the trainees and the level of their competence. The programmes shall include, as a minimum, the training subjects referred to in Annex No І of Directive 2009/128/ЕC as follows:

TRAINING SUBJECTS:

1. All relevant legislation regarding plant protection products and their use.

2. The existence and risks of illegal (counterfeit) plant protection products, and the methods to identify such products.

3. The hazards and risks associated with plant protection products, and how to identify and control them, in particular:

(a) risks to humans (operators, residents, bystanders, people entering treated areas and those handling or eating treated items) and factors exacerbating these risks;

(b) symptoms of pesticide poisoning and first aid measures;

(c) risks to non-target plants, beneficial insects, wildlife, biodiversity and the environment in general.

4. Notions on the main principles of integrated pest management, integrated crop management, organic farming principles, biological pest control methods, information on the general and specific principles for certain crops.

5. Development and initiation to comparative assessment at user level to help professional users make the most appropriate choices on plant protection with the least side effects on human health, non-target organisms and the environment among all authorised products for a given pest problem.

6. Awareness of measures to minimise risks to humans, non-target organisms and the environment: safe working practices for storing, handling and mixing plant protection products, and disposing of empty packaging, other contaminated materials and surplus plant protection products (including tank mixes); recommended way to control operator exposure (personal protection equipment).

7. Risk-based approaches which take into account the local water extraction variables such as climate, soil and crop types, and relieves.

8. Strict compliance with procedures for preparing PPP application equipment for work, including its calibration, and for its operation with minimum risks to the user, other humans, non-target animal and plant species, biodiversity and the environment.

9. Best practices to protect waters from point source pollution and the use of PPPs.

10. Use of PPP application equipment and its maintenance, in compliance with the requirements, and specific spraying techniques (e.g. low-volume spraying and low-drift nozzles), as well as the objectives of the technical check of sprayers in use and ways to improve spray quality. Awareness of

1 With the entry into force of the new Plant Protection Act (PPA), Bulgaria shall shift from three to two categories of use of PPPs. Prior to the amendments, the three categories of use were as follows:1) PPPs from the first (professional) category of use to be applied only by or under the control of an agronomist with a degree in “plant protection”;2) PPPs from the second (restricted) category of use to be applied by persons with a higher education degree in Agronomy or a secondary education degree in agriculture and plant production specialty in particular;3) PPPs from the third (free) category of use to be applied by persons over the age of 18 years.The new PPA lays down two categories of use of plant protection products: professional and non-professional. The professional category of use shall be divided into two sub-categories: first professional and second professional category. The plant protection products from the professional category of use shall be applied only by users with a certificate and the use of PPPs from the first professional category of use shall be subject to the control of an agronomist. The plant protection products from the non-professional category of use shall be applied by people over the age of 18.

specific risks linked to use of handheld PPP application equipment or knapsack sprayers and the relevant risk management measures.

11. Emergency action to protect human health, the environment including water resources in case of accidental spillage and contamination with pesticides and extreme weather events.

12. Special requirements to the use of pesticides in the territory of the National Environmental Network (NEN) and other areas with a special status set by the existing legislation.

13. Reporting on any incidents or suspected incidents related to pesticides by all health facilities.

14. Record collection and keeping of any use of pesticides, in accordance with the PPA.

ACTIVITIES for the implementation of Measure 1:

1) Introduce a system for initial and additional training for persons handling pesticides in the course of their professional activity (professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors);

Deadline: as per the PPA

Responsible authority: Higher schools and institutions in the vocational education and training system

2) Introduce a certification system for professional users of pesticides, advisors, distributors and sales advisors at phytosanitary pharmacies.

Deadline: until 26.11.2013 for professional users of pesticides and advisors

Deadline: until 26.11.2015 for distributors, sales advisors at phytosanitary pharmacies

Responsible authority: BFSA

3) Set up and keep a public register of people with a certificate for work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

Deadline to set up the register: until 26.11.2013

Period for keeping the register: ongoing


EXPECTED RESULTS from the implementation of Measure 1:

Achieving reduction of risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of specialized knowledge provided and acquired by professional users, distributors and advisors.

MEASURE 2.REQUIREMENTS FOR SALES OF PESTICIDES

Sales of pesticides are an important element in the distribution chain, where specific advice on safety instructions for human health and the environment should be given to the end user (the farmer) at the time of sale. For non-professional users who in general do not have the same level of education and training, recommendations should be given, in particular on safe handling and storage of plant protection products as well as on disposal of the packaging.

Trade in PPPs and repackaging of PPPs shall be carried out in line with the procedure and conditions of the Plant Protection Act and the ordinances for its implementation.

Pursuant to the Plant Protection Act, trade in plant protection products and repackaging of PPPs shall be carried out by persons who are traders pursuant to the Commerce Act and holders of an authorisation granted by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. Authorisations shall be granted for a term of 5 years and they cannot be transferred to another person.

Trade in PPPs shall be carried out at specialized sites: PPPs storage and trade facilities and/or phytosanitary pharmacies. Repackaging of PPPs shall be carried out at specialized repackaging facilities. The facilities for trade, storage and repackaging of plant protection products shall meet the requirements of the Territory Structure Act and the ordinances regulating the requirements for types of facilities for sales and storage of PPPs issued pursuant to the PPA to ensure reliable and safe storage of PPPs in them.

Plant protection products from the professional category of use shall be sold only to persons holding a certificate for work with plant protection products from the professional category of use. The certification system is described in Measure “Training of professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors” in the National Action Plan.

Table. 3. Requirements for persons trading in or repackaging plant protection products:

Persons trading in or repackaging plant protection products shall ensure that at least one person

who is present during sales of PPPs in a storage facility

who is present during sales of PPPs in a phytosanitary pharmacy

who is present during repackaging of PPPs

has a higher education degree in agrarian studies and is responsible for the work at the storage facility.

has a higher education degree in agrarian studies and

sells PPPs in the pharmacy or

controls sales in the pharmacy in his/her capacity as Manager in case the sales advisor is a person with a secondary vocational education degree in plant production.

has a higher education degree in agrarian studies and is responsible for the work at the repackaging facility

shall hold a certificate* shall hold a certificate* shall hold a certificate*

shall be present during the sales and shall provide information regarding the use of plant protection products, risks for human and animal health and the environment and safety

the sales advisor shall be present during the sales and shall provide information regarding the use of plant protection products, risks for human and animal health and the

shall be present during the repackaging of PPPs and shall control the activity at the site.

instructions. When selling pesticides to non-professional users, the person shall provide information in particular on hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application and safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Management Act, as well as regarding low-risk alternatives.

environment and safety instructions. When selling pesticides to non-professional users, the person shall provide information in particular on hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application and safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Management Act, as well as regarding low-risk alternatives.

*N.B.: In force as of 26.11.2015

Where a vendor trades in plant protection products in several storage facilities, the vendor shall ensure for each of them that a person with a higher education degree in Agrarian Studies is present and is in charge of the activity at the facility.

Where a vendor sells plant protection products in one or more phytosanitary pharmacies, where sales advisors with secondary vocational education degrees in plant production work, the vendor shall ensure the presence of at least one more person with a higher education degree in Agrarian Studies to control the activity on the premises.

Managers of outlets for trade in PPPs and sales advisors shall be recorded in the authorisation for trade.

Phytosanitary pharmacies may sell and store only plant protection products from the second professional and/or non-professional category of use in packaging of a capacity of 5 litres/kilograms or less, while in cases when the phytosanitary pharmacy is located in a residential building, in packaging of a capacity of 1 litre/kilogram or less.

Plant protection products from the first professional category of use shall be repackaged only in packaging of a capacity of 1 litre/kilogram or more.

Pursuant to the Plant Protection Act and the ordinances for its implementation, the following activities shall be prohibited:

possession for the purpose of selling, trading, repackaging, storing and marketing and sales of unauthorised and/or unfit plant protection products;

trade, placing on the market, selling and storage of plant protection products in a place different from the storage facilities and phytosanitary pharmacies specified in the marketing authorisation for PPPs;

placing on the market and selling plant protection products in the absence of the person listed in the marketing authorisation;

trade, placing on the market, selling and storage in phytosanitary pharmacies of plant protection products from the first professional category of use and/or in packaging of a capacity of more than 5 litres/kilograms, and in phytosanitary pharmacies based in residential buildings, in packaging of a capacity of more than 1 litre/kilogram;

sales of plant protection products with damaged integrity of the packaging or the label;

repackaging of p lant pro tec t ion products outside the repackaging facilities for which authorisations have been granted.

When controlling trade in plant protection products, the inspectors from the DFSD shall carry out checks of registered premises: phytosanitary pharmacies, facilities for storage and trade in plant protection products, repackaging facilities for plant protection products as well as informal premises (each sales point beyond the registered ones including markets, sales outlets, wholesale markets, etc.)

and inspections following alerts.

The percentage of annually inspected premises out of the total number of registered premises, depending on their type, is as follows:

facilities for storage and trade in PPPs - 100% of the registered storage facilities at least twice per year;

repackaging facilities - 100% of the registered facilities at least twice per year; phytosanitary pharmacies - 100% of the registered pharmacies at least once per year; unregulated sites – the number of inspections is defined depending on the number of alleged

(possible) sites at risk of illegal trade in PPPs.

Table 4 presents information about the number and type of inconsistencies established most often during the checks carried out by inspectors in the period 2009–2011.

Table 4: Number and types of inconsistencies established:

Type of established inconsistency:

Calendar year2009 2010 2011Number of inconsistencies

Absence of authorisation for the activity. 20 19 25Sales or storage of unauthorized PPPs.

24 16 19PPPs with expired shelf-life.

20 20 19Plant protection products not ordered according to functional characteristics. 51 23

41

Absence of separate place in the warehouse for storage of plant protection products with expired shelf-life, damaged packing or PPPs recalled from the market. 24 15 11

The delivery logbook has not been regularly kept. 67 81 80The required documents, i.e. an authorisation, a diploma, etc. are not easily available. 47 19 54

Source: BFSA- Annual report for 2009 of the Republic of Bulgaria on control measures in accordance with the provisions

of Article 17 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC;

- Annual report for 2010 of the Republic of Bulgaria on control measures for plant protection products in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC;

- Annual report for 2011 of the Republic of Bulgaria on the scope and the results of the controls over plant protection products in accordance with the provisions of Article 68 of Regulation (ЕC) 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.


1. Persons trading in plant protection products shall ensure:

for every facility for trade in PPPs, the presence of at least one person with a higher education degree in Agrarian Studies and a certificate* for work with plant protection products from the professional category of use;

for every phytosanitary pharmacy, the presence of at least one sales advisor with a higher education degree in agrarian studies or a secondary vocational education degree in plant production and a certificate* for work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

Period for requirements to the persons trading in PPPs: ongoing

*Deadline for obtaining the certificate: as from 26.11.2015.

Responsible authority: BFSA, PPPs traders

2. The persons listed in the marketing authorisation shall be present during sales and shall provide information regarding the use of plant protection products, risks for human and animal health and the environment and safety instructions. When selling PPPs to non-professional users, they shall provide information in particular on hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application and safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Management Act, as well as regarding low-risk alternatives.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: BFSA, PPPs vendors and their associations3. Plant protection products from the professional category of use shall be sold only to persons

holding a certificate for work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

Deadline: as from 26.11.2015.

Responsible authority: BFSA, PPPs vendors


Compliance with all legal requirements and provisions regarding sales of pesticides shall ensure reduced risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of PPPs sold only by competent persons and only to persons with acquired knowledge about the impact, proper use and storage of pesticides.

MEASURE 3. HANDLING AND STORING PESTICIDES, AND DISPOSING OF THEIR EMPTY PACKAGING AND PESTICIDE REMNANTS

Handling of pesticides, including storage, diluting and mixing the pesticides and cleaning of pesticide application equipment after use, and recovery and disposal of tank mixtures, empty packaging from plant protection products and remnants of the unused treatment solution are particularly prone to unwanted exposure of humans and the environment. Therefore, the National Action Plan for the sustainable use of pesticides provides for specific measures addressing those activities as a complement to the measures provided for under Directive 2008/98 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives.

The measures also cover non-professional users who are likely to handle improperly plant protection products due to lack of knowledge. That is why when selling PPPs to non-professional users, sales advisors shall provide information in particular on hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application of PPPs and safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Management Act, as well as regarding low-risk alternatives.

Plant protection products shall be:

stored in the original sealed packaging of the manufacturer or the person who has repackaged them in compliance with the requirements set by the manufacturer and designated on the label;

when unfit for use or with withdrawn authorisation and expired grace period for use, marked unequivocally and stored indoors in specially allocated and secured premises, in storage facilities for plant protection products and shall be subject to disposal pursuant to the Waste Management Act. The owner of such PPPs shall be liable for their storage, delivery for disposal and the financial costs of disposal of unfit or unauthorized plant protection products;

used in compliance with Article 55 of Regulation (ЕC) No 1107/2009 and with the provisions of the PPA and the ordinances implementing it;

used in compliance with their authorised use and in accordance with the conditions and indications specified on the label in such a way so as to prevent any damage to other plants and plant products and avoid jeopardizing human and animal health and the environment. The conditions, procedure and manner of use of plant protection products shall be determined by an ordinance of the Minister of Agriculture and Food;

applied via specialized machinery and equipment in compliance with the Registration and Control of Agricultural and Forestry Machinery Act.

Treatment with plant protection products of seeds for sowing intended for the time of sowing at the farm shall be carried out only with specialized machinery and/or equipment in compliance with the requirements of the Registration and Control of Agricultural and Forestry Machinery Act.

The storage facilities of plant protection products shall have controlled access and shall ensure the reliable and safe storage of plant protection products in them, and shall meet the requirements of the Territory Structure Act and of the ordinances laying down the requirements to the types of facilities for trade and storage of PPPs issued pursuant to the PPA.

Farmers shall store plant protection products meant for use at the farm in permanent or temporary storage facilities for plant protection products. These permanent or temporary storage facilities shall have controlled access to them and shall ensure the reliable and safe storage of plant protection products in them.

The preparation of the spray mixture of plant protection products and the cleansing of the PPP application equipment and machinery shall be carried out at places and in a manner to avoid

any pollution of the environment and comply with the indications on the label.

The remaining volume of the spray mixture shall be used under the same conditions and use, and where it is not possible to use the remaining mixture, it shall be disposed of as waste in line with the indications on the label and the Waste Management Act.

When treating agricultural areas with plant protection products, protection areas and distance from neighbouring sensitive crops shall be always kept in line with the indication on the label of the plant protection product.

Empty packaging of PPPs shall be managed and disposed of in line with the indications on the label and the Waste Management Act.

Persons who produce, grow, store and trade in plants and plant products shall keep a logbook of used plant protection products. The logbook shall be kept in a printed or electronic format for a period of at least three years from the last entry. The logbook shall be submitted upon request to the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The logbook shall be inspected and the inspection shall be verified by the plant protection inspectors from the relevant District Food Safety Directorate within whose competence the field, the outlet or storage facility of plants and plant products fall. Farmers can be assisted in record keeping by integrated pest management advisors, agronomists or agricultural experts who are specialists in plant production. Plants and plant products which are produced, grown, stored or marketed for the purpose of processing or consumption shall be accompanied by a copy of the relevant excerpt from the logbook kept.

The following data shall be recorded in the logbook:

each use of a plant protection product, the product type and name, the crop, the area, the dose of application, the time and method of application, including treatment of seeds, the amount of plant protection products used per field or storage facility for plants and plant products;

the type of harmful organisms targeted by the plant protection products, the density, attack or incidence rate of harmful organisms including forecast occurrence of harmful organisms;

the findings from the analyses for pesticide residues or other po l lu t an t s in t he samples t aken f rom plants and plant products;

ID data of the person responsible for the plant protection intervention; the responsible person shall hold a certificate.

Data about the category of use of the plant protection products:The category of use means that the plant protection product has been assigned to a certain group in order to limit its use to a certain category of users.

Pursuant to the Plant Protection Act (promulgated in the State Gazette, issue 91 of 10 October 1997,

as amended in SG, issue 28 of 5 April 2011) the three categories of use shall be as follows:

1. PPPs of the first (professional) category of use which shall be applied only by or under the control of an agronomist specialized in plant protection;

2. PPPs of the second (restricted) category of use shall be applied by persons with a higher education degree in agronomy or a secondary agricultural education degree and a specialty in plant production;

3. PPPs f rom the t h i rd (free) category of use which can be applied by persons over the age of 18.

A new system of PPPs classification shall be introduced as follows:

Plant protection products shall be classified into two categories of use: professional and non-

professional.

The professional category of use shall be divided into two sub-categories: first professional and second professional.

The category of use for any plant protection product shall be defined based on an expert’s evaluation of the product and taking into consideration the following:

- the conditions and restrictions upon the approval of active substances;

- the classification of plant protection products into one or more categories of hazard for the environment and human health pursuant to Article 2 of the Protection against the Harmful Impact of Chemical Substances and Mixtures Act or into one or more hazard classes pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008;

- the risk assessment including the need of personal protection equipment;

- authorized uses and user category.

Plant protection products containing an active substance classified as a candidate for substitution shall fall into the “professional” category.

Plant protection products containing only active substances classified as “low-risk active substances” and “basic substances” under Article 22 and 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 shall fall into the “non-professional” category.

When defining the category of a plant protection product, additional criteria may be introduced depending on the specificity of its use and the hazard for the user health.

The category of use of plant protection products shall be defined by the Council for Plant Protection Products upon authorisation of the product.

Depending on the category of use determined upon the authorisation of the plant protection product, the range of users shall be defined as follows:

1. plant protection products from the first professional category shall be applied only by users holding a certificate and under the supervision of an agronomist;

2. plant protection products from the second professional category of use shall be applied only by users holding a certificate;

3. plant protection products from the non-professional category of use shall be applied by persons over the age of 18.

A transition period of 1 year shall be provided to adapt the plant protection products placed on the market to the new classification and to issue the new labels. The existing classification of plant protection products shall be adapted to the new classification as follows:

1. “first (professional)” category shall become “first professional”;

2. “second (restricted)” category shall become “second professional”;

3. “third (free)” category shall become “non-professional”.

Pursuant to the Plant Protection Act, the following activities shall be prohibited:

use and storage for the purpose of use unauthorized or unfit plant protection products;

use of plant protection products for crops and against harmful organisms which fall beyond the scope of the authorised use;

application of a dose/amount or concentration of plant protection products that exceeds the maximum permissible dose/amount per area or percentage of the treatment solution during the use;

harvesting agricultural production before the expiry of the quarantine period of the used plant protection products as specified on the label.

Table 5: Data from the control activity over the use of plant protection products in the period

2009-2011

Checks carried outNumber of checks for the calendar

year2009 2010 2011

Total number of checks including of:

1 778 2 468 3 943

Farmers 1 648 2 374 3 798Aerial treatment 58 38 30Decontamination of the seeds 65 56 37Fumigation 7 - 78

The control carried out by the DFSD inspectors of the farmers shall include the following:

record control – check of the logbooks;

field control – the application of plant protection products by means of land-based machinery, aircraft, decontamination of the seeds, fumigation and decontamination of areas, premises and plant production against pest.

Farmers using plant protection products in the production of their plant products shall be subject to control. Data about the registered farmers can be used from the Register of Farmers of Plant Production with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

The control of registered farmers has covered the following:

from 1 % to 5 % of the registered farmers in 2009;

from 3 % to 5 % of the registered farmers in 2010;

5 % of the registered farmers in 2011.

Table 6 presents data about the number and type of inconsistencies established most often during the checks carried out by the inspectors in the period 2009 – 2011

Table 6: Number and types of established inconsistencies:

Type of inconsistency established

Number of inconsistencies for the calendar year

2009 2010 2011No mandatory records kept about the used PPPs. 60 52 131Use of unauthorized products. - 5 1Unauthorized use of authorized products. 17 50 46Incomplete data in the Logbook about chemical treatments carried out. 137 176 137Inappropriate storage conditions of PPPs. 57 9 22Inappropriate storage conditions of empty packaging. 49 5 29Illegal disposal of empty packaging of PPPs. 8 6 -Failure to comply with safety rules. 2 - -

In the event of any inconsistency established, an order shall be issued with a deadline for its removal or an Act for established administrative violation shall be issued pursuant to the Plant Protection Act and the Beekeeping Act.

Source: BFSA- Annual report for 2009 of the Republic of Bulgaria on control measures in accordance with the provisions of Article

17 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC;

- Annual report for 2010 of the Republic of Bulgaria on control measures for plant protection products in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of Council Directive 91/414/EEC;

- Annual report for 2011 of the Republic of Bulgaria on the scope and the results of the controls over plant protection products in accordance with the provisions of Article 68 of Regulation (ЕC) 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.

Empty packaging of plant protection products shall be kept indoors in separate and secured places and they shall be managed and disposed of in accordance with the indications on the label and in accordance with the Waste Management Act.

N.B.!

The abandonment, burial, unregulated dumping, incineration and

landfilling or any other form of unregulated disposal of empty

packaging of plant protection products is prohibited.

Requirements shall be gradually introduced for the persons placing plant production products on the market including persons repackaging plant protection products and trading in them, to develop and apply a recall system for empty packaging from end users via their distribution network or in any other appropriate manner in line with the Waste Management Act.

In turn, the end users of plant protection products shall be obliged to hand over empty packaging in line with the developed recall system for empty packaging and the provisions of the Waste Management Act.

X PROJECT “TOPPS BULGARIA” – VOLUNTARY PRACTICE OF HANDLING PESTICIDES AND THEIR PACKAGING

The TOPPS Bulgaria project was launched in 2010 following the initiative of Bulgarian Crop Protection Industry Association (BCPA) together with the former National Plant Protection Service (NPPS) in its capacity as a local partner aiming at training operators to prevent water pollution from point sources when using plant protection products.

The TOPPS project is being implemented in 15 EU Member States. Its main goal is to adapt the existing European best practices for prevention of water pollution with plant protection products to Bulgaria and to disseminate them through advising, counseling, trainings and demonstrations. Such steps are taken to reduce the risk of pollution of groundwater and surface water from point sources with plant protection products. It is necessary to change the mindset of all stakeholders involved in the use of plant protection products. At the same time, it is necessary not only to identify the existing challenges at this stage but also identify the best solution for them. All stakeholders need to join efforts to achieve positive results.

By means of the “training of trainers” method, experts from the NPPS (current BFSA), inspectors from the former regional plant protection services (current District Food Safety Directorates) and the representatives of industry organizations in the area of plant protection were trained by ЕСРА trainers and were awarded a certificate for trainers.

Under the TOPPS Bulgaria project, trainers train stakeholders in the territory of all 28 districts, i.e. farmers, advisors, distributors of PPPs and others, regarding the Best Practices (BP) for Prevention of Water Contamination from Point Sources when using PPPs.

Photos, films and demonstration aides are used during trainings, i.e. brochures, posters, leaflets, which promote visually in a user-friendly way the sequence of steps at each stage of using plant protection products. Trainers show calibration and triple rinsing of the sprayer. Each trainee on the project is

awarded a certificate. In 2010 and 2011 a total of 756 stakeholders were trained. Training continued in 2012 as well.


1. Develop and keep a register of authorised PPPs on the BFSA’s website, i.e. an authorisation for PPPs, a label and a safety data sheet in Bulgarian.

Deadline to develop the register: by the end of 2013.

Time period to keep the register: ongoing


2. Set the requirements to farmers’ storage facilities for PPPs by the adoption of the Ordinance on the production, trade, repackaging and storage of plant protection products issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Food pursuant to the PPA and adapt the storage facilities in compliance with the requirements during the transition period set.

Deadline: as per the PPA and the Ordinance

Responsible authority: BFSA, farmers

3. Develop, introduce and apply a recall system for empty packaging of PPPs.


Responsible authority: crop protection associations, producers, re-packers, vendors, farmers

4. Include the topic of the Best Practices (BP) for Prevention of Water Contamination from Point Sources when using PPPs in the trainings and seminars held for professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors under item 5 of the National Action Plan.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: higher schools and institutions in the vocational education and training

system, BFSA


Reduced risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of proper handling and storage of pesticides and disposal of their packaging and the surplus treatment solution.

MEASURE 4. INSPECTION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATION EQUIPMENT

Since Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery provides for rules on the placing on the market of pesticide application equipment ensuring that environmental requirements are met in order to minimise the adverse impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment caused by such equipment, the Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides provides for systems for regular technical inspection of pesticide application equipment already in use, i.e. the used pesticide application equipment.

The requirements for the placing on the market of pesticide application equipment and the requirements for technical inspection of pesticide application equipment already in use are provided for in the Registration and Control of Agricultural and Forestry Machinery Act (RCAFMA). Pursuant to the RCAFMA pesticide application equipment already in use shall be subject to mandatory inspection for safety and protection of human health and the environment. Inspections shall be carried out by the Technical Control Inspectorate (TCI). Inspections of pesticide application equipment already in use shall be carried out at the following intervals:

1. one inspection by 26th November 2016;

2. an inspection every five years until 2020;

3. one inspection every three years after 2020;

After 26th November 2016 only pesticide application equipment having successfully passed inspection for safety and protection of human health and the environment shall be in use.

New pesticide application equipment shall be inspected within a period of five years after purchase.

Mandatory inspections of pesticide application equipment already in use for safety and protection of human health and the environment shall be carried out by the Technical Control Inspectorate by test engineers in the field of mechanized agriculture using mobile sprayer test equipment.

The procedure for regular inspections of pesticide application equipment, the system for certification and control of inspections of pesticide application equipment and the recognition of certificates issued by other Member States shall be laid down in an ordinance of the Minister of Agriculture and Food.

With regard to the requirements of the Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides, the following additional pesticide application equipment shall be subject to mandatory inspection for safety and protection of human health and the environment:

spraying equipment mounted on aircraft;

spraying equipment mounted on trains;

boom sprayers larger than 3 m, including boom sprayers that are mounted on sowing equipment.

Inspection of spraying equipment mounted on aircraft shall be carried out annually by Airworthiness and Avionics Inspectors with General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration at the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications.

Inspection of spraying equipment mounted on trains and boom sprayers larger than 3 m, including boom sprayers that are mounted on sowing equipment (including spraying equipment mounted on seeders, cultivators, harrows and other machinery) shall be carried out by the Technical Control Inspectorate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Inspection of spraying equipment mounted on trains and boom sprayers larger than 3 m, including boom sprayers that are mounted on sowing equipment shall be carried out at the following intervals: one inspection by 26 th November 2016, one inspection every five years until 2020 and one inspection every three years after 2020.

The following pesticide application equipment shall also be subject to mandatory inspection, though at intervals and according to schedules other than the above:

- equipment for decontamination of seeds;

- granular applicators;

- aerosol generators.

Inspection of the above pesticide application equipment shall be carried out by the Technical Control Inspectorate.

The following pesticide application equipment shall be exempt from inspection:

- handheld sprayers (sprayers held in hand);

- manually powered knapsack sprayers;

- electric motor power knapsack sprayers;

- petrol engine power knapsack sprayers.

With regard to the exemption from inspection of the pesticide application equipment listed, operators shall be informed by the Technical Control Inspectorate of the need to change regularly the accessories, of the specific risks linked to that equipment.

With regard to the requirement for initial and additional training of persons handling pesticides in the course of their professional activity, operators shall be trained for the proper use of that pesticide application equipment.


1) Pesticide application equipment mounted on land-based machinery already in use shall be subject to mandatory inspection for safety and protection of human health and the environment.

Deadline: one inspection by 26th November 2016; an inspection every five years until 2020; one inspection every three years after 2020

Responsible authority: TCI

2) After 26th November 2016 only pesticide application equipment mounted on land-based machinery which has successfully passed inspection for safety and protection of human health and the environment shall be in use.

Deadline: New pesticide application equipment mounted on land-based machinery shall be inspected within a period of five years after purchase.

Responsible authority: TCI

3) Spraying equipment for plant protection products mounted on aircraft shall be technically inspected in line with the requirements of Annex No 10 to Article 47, para 1 of Ordinance No 24 of 2000 on issuing certificates to air operators carrying out specialized aviation activities.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration


The use of inspected pesticide application equipment shall ensure reduction of risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

MEASURE 5. AERIAL SPRAYING

Aerial spraying of pesticides has the potential to cause significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment, in particular from spray drift. With the introduction of the requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive, aerial spraying of pesticides shall generally be prohibited at a European level, though derogations are possible in special cases.

The Plant Protection Act shall introduce a ban on aerial spraying of agricultural areas and other areas with plant protection products. However, in exceptional cases, where there are no viable alternatives to protect plants and plant products from pest or where it represents clear advantages in terms of reduced impacts on human health and the environment in comparison with the land-based application of plant protection products, aerial spraying shall be carried out only with approval in writing of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The competent authorities for aerial spraying shall be as follows:

Bulgarian Food Safety Agency which shall be responsible for laying down the specific conditions and special requirements when aerial spraying may be allowed;

General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration with the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications shall be the competent authority for authorizing the use of aircraft and aircraft equipment for aerial spraying of plant protection products;

General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration shall control compliance of the equipment for applying PPPs by aerial spraying with the national legal requirements.

Aerial spraying may be allowed in one of the following cases:

1. a calamity or epiphytotics of economically important crops in a given area, district or the territory of the whole country announced by an order of the Minister of Agriculture and Food;

2. mass increase of harmful organisms in a certain area and exceeded economic threshold;

3. need to urgently discourage the spread of quarantine pest and/or pest to prevent the occurrence of a calamity/epiphytotics.

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency may allow aerial spraying in the above cases, provided that at least one of the following circumstances is present:

1. it is not possible to use land-based machinery due to adverse agro-climatic conditions, raised terrains and areas;

2. it is necessary to carry out treatment as soon as possible due to the passing of the crop phenophases appropriate for treatment or the stages of development of pest;

3. highly rugged and inaccessible terrains including forest areas.

The following requirements must be met to allow aerial spraying:

1. the plant protection products used must be approved for aerial spraying at a national level;

2. the air operator must hold a certificate for specialized air activities issued pursuant to Ordinance No 24 of 2000 on issuing certificates to air operators carrying out specialized air activities of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications;

3. at least one member of the air operator’s team must hold a certificate for working with PPPs from the professional category of use;

4. the application equipment for PPPs must be already technically inspected in line with the requirements of Annex No 10 to Article 47, para 1 of Ordinance No 24 of 2000 on issuing certificates to air operators carrying out specialized air activities;

5. the aircraft shall have (be equipped with) accessories for plant protection products application that constitute the best available technology to reduce spray drift;

6. the areas to be sprayed must not be within the 1st , 2nd and 3rd belt of safeguard zones in the

IMPORTANT! The Plant Protection Act introduces a BAN on aerial spraying with TOTAL HERBICIDES!

vicinity of surface water sources and facilities for drinking water and domestic water supply and in the 1st and 2nd belt in the vicinity of groundwater and mineral water sources and facilities for drinking water and domestic water supply which are used for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and sanitation purposes as defined in Ordinance No 3 of 2000 on the conditions and procedure for exploration, design, approval and exploitation of safeguard zones in the vicinity of water sources and facilities for drinking water and domestic water supply and to mineral water sources used for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and sanitation purposes issued by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works.

To receive an approval for aerial spraying, the person commissioning aerial spraying shall submit a standard request to the District Food Safety Directorate in the territory where the area to be sprayed is located within 10 days prior to the date of treatment.

Within 5 days from the receipt of the request, the plant protection inspectors shall examine the documents to establish compliance with the conditions for approval of aerial spraying and shall carry out on-site inspection, whenever necessary.

In justified exceptional or emergency cases, the request may be submitted by way of exception up to 5 days before the date of treatment.

The Head of District Food Safety Directorate shall issue an approval or shall deny approval in a motivated manner.

In the approval the authorities shall specify the measures necessary to warn residents and bystanders in due time and to protect neighouring sensitive crops and the environment in the vicinity of the area sprayed.

The approval for aerial spraying of a crop in the area specified shall be issued for a period not longer than 5 consecutive days.

When applying aerial spraying, the provisions of Ordinance No 15 of 2004 on the measures to protect bees and bee families from poisoning and methods for plant protection, disinfection and disinsection activities of the Minister of Agriculture and Food and the provisions of Ordinance No 24 of 2000 on issuing certificates to air operators carrying out specialized air activities of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications shall be complied with.

General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration shall submit to the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency a list of air operators holding a certificate for specialized air activities issued pursuant to Ordinance No 24 of 2000 on issuing certificates to air operators carrying out specialized air activities and shall notify the BFSA of any changes.

District Food Safety Directorates shall control compliance with the conditions of approval of aerial spraying by carrying out inspections pursuant to Ordinance on control of plant protection products and activities with PPPs issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Food under the PPA.

If any irregularities or inconsistencies are established, the plant protection inspectors of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency shall have the right to ban or suspend aerial spraying.

District Food Safety Directorates shall make available to the public the relevant information contained in the approvals issued such as the area to be sprayed, the provisional day and time of the

In order to protect crops, ecosystems and biodiversity on

areas in the vicinity of the area to be treated with herbicides, the

National Action Plan recommends that land-based machinery is used

and that aerial spraying with herbicides is minimized.

spraying and the type of plant protection product. Information shall be published on the website of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and shall be disseminated by District Food Safety Directorates via the Mayor’s Office and the local mass media or in any other appropriate way.

ACTIVITIES for the implementation of Measure 5:1. Ban on aerial spraying of crops and other areas with plant protection products.



2. Aerial spraying carried out only with approval in writing of the BFSA in exceptional cases where there are no viable alternatives to protect plants and plant products from pest or where it represents clear advantages in terms of reduced impacts on human health and the environment in comparison with the land-based application of plant protection products.



3. Setting specific conditions and special requirements when aerial spraying may be allowed.


Responsible authority: BFSA, DFSD

4. Approval of the use of aircraft and relevant equipment for aerial spraying of plant protection products.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MTITC, GD CAA

5. Control of compliance with the requirements of the EU acquis and the national legislation for equipment for PPPs application via aerial spraying.

Deadline: after 2013

Responsible authority: MTITC, GD CAA

6. Ban on aerial spraying with total herbicides.



7. Approval of PPPs for aerial spraying at a national level.

Deadline: after the entry into force of the Ordinance on the conditions, procedure and

manner of use of plant protection products of the Minister of Agriculture and Food.


8. Ban or suspension of aerial spraying upon any irregularities or inconsistencies established.



9. Making available to the public the relevant information about aerial spraying contained in the approvals such as the area to be sprayed, the provisional day and time of the spraying and the type of plant protection product. Information shall be published on the website of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and shall be disseminated by District Food Safety Directorates via the Mayor’s Office and the local mass media or in any other

appropriate way.


Responsible authority: BFSA, DFSD, the Mayor’s Office, local mass media


Reduction of risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of aerial spraying ban, raising of the public awareness of aerial spraying carried out and the ban on aerial spraying with total herbicides.

MEASURE 6. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

The research and development of integrated pest management systems in the Republic of Bulgaria began in the second half of 1950s at the Plant Protection Institute based in the town of Kostinbrod and at the Forestry Institute in Sofia. In 1961 the Plant Protection Institute set up a specialized unit which was later expanded into biological and integrated pest management laboratory.

The introduction and advancement of integrated pest management methods against pest attacking plants and plant products has been laid down in the Plant Protection Act of 1997 (Promulgated in the SG, issue 91 of 10.10.1997). Pursuant to the existing Ordinance No 15 of 3 August 2007 on the conditions and procedure for integrated production of plants and plant products and their designation, farmers may undertake integrated production of plants and plant products by complying with the general and specific principles for integrated pest management and by designating their production with the label “INTEGRATED PRODUCTION”.

Integrated Pest Management Guidelines were developed and published for 47 crops from the following 7 groups:

cereals: wheat, barley, oat, rye, corn;

dried pulses: common beans, peas, lentils, soya beans, alfalfa;

industrial crops: sunflower, oilseed rape, tobacco, sugar beet, cotton, groundnuts;

vegetable crops: tomatoes (field- and greenhouse-grown tomatoes), peppers (field- and greenhouse-grown peppers), cucumbers (field- and greenhouse-grown cucumbers), pumpkins, zucchini, water melons, melons, cabbages, cauliflower, Brussels sprout, onion, garlic, leeks and potatoes;

fruit crops: apples, pears, quinces, plums, cherries, sour cherries, peaches, nectarina and apricots;

vines and berries: vines, strawberries, raspberries, black currant

essential oil crops: rose, spearmint, lavender, coriander.

These Guidelines are accessible via the website of the BFSA and via dissemination of a certain number of copies free of charge among users. The Guidelines include general principles of integrated pest management and set specific principles of integrated pest management for each crop.

Farmers may enroll for training in integrated pest management at accredited institutes and higher education establishments in the area of plant protection (Agricultural University in Plovdiv, University of Forestry in Sofia) under a curriculum developed by the education establishment and approved by the Director of BFSA.

Integrated plant protection entails regulating and keeping populations of harmful species at a level that is not likely to cause significant economic damage with maximum protection of natural and beneficial organisms. The presence of certain number of harmful organisms is a premise for agrobiocenosis resistance and for its increased self-regulation.

Decision making regarding integrated pest management is based on a system of observations, diagnostics, forecasts and alerts. Disease and pest forecasting is mainly based on pest diagnostic data and on data about the environment impact on pest development and host plants. Making correct decisions and adopting appropriate measures depend on diverse information about the phytosanitary state in agrocenoses; pest occurrence, spread, density, development, extent of attack and estimated loss; interaction between the harmful and beneficial flora and fauna; the effects of plant protection measures carried out and the accurate analysis. Implementation of prevention or recovery measures based on forecasting contributes to further reduction of risks for human health and the environment. Forecasting data should be also taken into consideration when optimal deadlines for agrotechnical actions to be carried out in the relevant areas are set.

The organization of the monitoring, examination, forecasting and alerting system for economically important pest on crops and the setting of optimal deadlines and means to fight pest have always been a state policy implemented by the former National Plant Protection Service and its regional structures (current BFSA and DFSD). Plant protection inspectors implementing the above activities are

agronomists with a higher education degree who have attended the necessary courses and trainings to raise their qualifications. As the development pace and the extent of pest attacks determine the yield from the crops in agriculture, plant protection inspectors must have an excellent knowledge of the pest biology and the etiology of pathogens to establish accurately the existing pest stocks in a given area and the quality state of populations. Visual diagnostics and on-site counseling at the farm are irreplaceable and independent tools which help establish the level of pest attack and the right timing for chemical control of the crop in question.

Pursuant to the PPA, the BFSA issues news bulletins to inform about the emergence, development and spread of economically important pest on crops and means of pest control. The data collected from pest monitoring shall be summarized, analysed and presented by the BFSA and DFSD in a Bulletin about the emergence, development, density, attack power, terms and means to fight pest of crops. The bulletins shall present information about the biology, phenology and control of economically important pest in the area of the relevant district. Notifying users about the timing of chemical control increases the efficiency of spraying and reduces the excessive use of pesticides. To prevent any incompetent application of plant protection products, the bulletins shall specify the authorised PPPs for pest control. The bulletins shall also inform farmers about amendments to the legislative framework, new pest types established in the country and methods of pest control, forthcoming trainings, seminars and working meetings.

Table 7: Subscribers of the plant protection news bulletins in the period 2008 – 2011

Year Number of subscribers of the plant protection bulletin

2008 1520

2009 1471

2010 980

2011 696

Plant protection products are an integral part of modern farming technology. To reduce the share of chemical methods in plant protection, plant protection products should be used only when absolutely necessary. The economic thresholds set for main pest and diseases affecting crops serve as an important condition in order to make the right decision. The damage of plants is a non-standard constant and consequently it is necessary to have an economic threshold scale developed for each pest which reflects the specificity of harmful organisms from a population under certain conditions.

It is necessary to refine and simplify the reporting methods for the density of the harmful organisms. Whenever possible, direct reporting should be replaced by the use of indirect indicators which can be accepted as economic thresholds such as the percent of infested or damaged plants.

Mathematical models for forecasting of harmful organisms are an important element of integrated plant protection. The models are very useful tools to study agro-ecosystems and they can be used to forecast the development of agro-ecosystems. Such forecasting methods enable professional users to make better decisions and to determine the right timing for chemical control. Mathematical models for forecasting of harmful organisms should be developed and initially mathematical models for forecasting of several key harmful organisms can be developed.

Pursuant to Article 14 of Directive 2009/128/EC and Article 55 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, compliance with the general principles of integrated pest management shall be introduced as a mandatory requirement after 2014.

The application of general principles of integrated pest management by all farmers shall result in more targeted use of the available controls of harmful organisms and reduction of the dependency on the use of pesticides.

General principles of integrated pest management

1. The prevention and/or suppression of harmful organisms should be achieved or supported among other options especially by:

- crop rotation,

- use of adequate cultivation techniques (e.g. stale seedbed technique, sowing dates and densities, under-sowing, optimal plant distance, conservation tillage, anti-erosion measures, hygiene measures and pruning),

- use, where appropriate, of resistant/tolerant cultivars and standard/certified seed and planting material,

- use of balanced fertilisation, liming and irrigation/drainage practices,

- preventing the spreading of harmful organisms by hygiene measures (e.g. by regular cleansing of machinery and equipment),

- protection and enhancement of important beneficial organisms, e.g. by adequate plant protection measures or the utilisation of ecological infrastructures inside and outside production sites.

2. Harmful organisms must be monitored by adequate methods and tools. Such adequate tools should include scientifically sound warning, forecasting and early diagnosis systems as well as the use of advice from professionally qualified advisors.

3. Based on the results of the monitoring the professional user has to decide whether and when to apply plant protection measures. Robust and scientifically sound threshold values are essential components for decision making. For harmful organisms threshold levels defined for the region, specific areas, crops and particular climatic conditions must be taken into account before treatments, where feasible.

4. Sustainable biological, physical and other non-chemical methods must be preferred to chemical methods if they provide satisfactory pest control.

5. The pesticides applied shall be as specific as possible for the target and shall have the least side effects on human health, non-target organisms and the environment.

6. The professional user should keep the use of pesticides and other forms of intervention to levels that are necessary, e.g. by reduced doses, reduced application frequency or partial applications (e.g. in bands or of outbreaks), considering that the level of risk in vegetation is acceptable and they do not increase the risk for development of resistance in populations of harmful organisms.

7. Where the risk of resistance against a plant protection measure is known and where the level of harmful organisms requires repeated application of pesticides to the crops, available anti-resistance strategies should be applied to maintain the effectiveness of the products. This may include the use of multiple pesticides with different modes of action.

8. Based on the records on the use of pesticides and on the monitoring of harmful organisms the professional user should check the success of the applied plant protection measures.

Specific principles of integrated pest management may also be applied in crop protection. They promote integrated production of plants and plant products.

Specific principles of integrated pest management:

Specific principles of integrated pest management shall be laid down in the Guidelines.

Integrated production of plants and plant products aims at reducing impacts from the use of pesticides on human and animal health and the environment and it covers:

priority application of biological, physical and non-chemical methods, means (measures) and plant protection products with a low risk for human and animal health and the environment;

replacement of plant protection products with natural pest control mechanisms for economically important pest of crops.

Pursuant to the PPA, farmers producing certain plants and plant products by means of integrated

production shall follow the rules in the Integrated Pest Management Guidelines for a period of at least 5 years. During this 5-year period, farmers shall not produce the same plants and plant products in any other way.

Control over farmers involved in integrated production of plants and plant products shall be carried out by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency shall create, keep and store a national database on the emergence, spread, density, development, level of attack of economically important harmful organisms on crops. The national database can be used as a basis for developing and keeping a plant protection web portal whereby professional users can obtain data and information necessary for decision-making. E.g. data about the relevant agro-ecological zone, about crops (phenophases from-to for the agro-ecological zone), harmful organisms (stage of development), reported density, threshold values and trends. The national plant protection database shall be an independent source of specialized data accessible to distributors, advisors and farmers.


1) Update the developed Integrated Pest Management Guidelines.

Deadline: by the end of 2014.

Responsible authority: BFSA, RAC2) Update in a scientifically sound manner economic thresholds for main crops, i.e.

Economic thresholds for main harmful organisms and diseases of crops of 1997, approved by the General Director of the National Plant Protection and Agrochemistry Service.

Deadline: by the end of 2014

Responsible authority: BFSA and others

3) Introduce counseling services for integrated pest management.

Deadline: as per the PPA.

Responsible authority: BFSA, IPM advisors

4) Create and keep a public register of registered advisors who can deliver counseling services about integrated pest management.


Period for keeping the register: ongoing


5) Create and keep registers of farmers involved in integrated production of plants and plant products at the DFSD for the relevant district and a national register comprising data from the district registers at the Headquarters of the BFSA.

Deadline for creating the registers: as per the PPA.

Period for keeping the registers: ongoing


6) Integrated production control and data collection about crops grown and the areas.

Deadline: ongoing


7) Organise information campaigns about the general principles of IPM.

Deadline: until 01.01.2014.

Responsible authority: BFSA, DFSD, farmers’ associations

8) Introduce the legal requirement for farmers to keep records of every use of biological agents.



9) Apply general principles of IPM in crop protection.

Deadline: constantly after 01.01.2014.


10) Specific principles of IPM can be applied in crop protection whereby integrated production of plants and plant products is carried out.

Deadline: ongoing


11) When protecting crops from economically important pest by means of IPM, farmers, following the integrated production advisor’s judgment and recommendation, can apply a plant protection product in a dose lower than the allowed one to mitigate risks and impacts from the use of pesticide on human health and the environment and to keep the populations of harmful organisms at levels below the economic thresholds.

Deadline: whenever feasible.

Responsible authority: integrated production advisors

12) Increase organic farming areas on used agricultural land farmed organically.

Deadline: until 2013 pursuant to the National Plan for Organic Farming Development in Bulgaria in the period 2006-2013, after 2013 pursuant to the revised National Plan for Organic Farming Development in Bulgaria.

Responsible authority: MAF

13) Set priority subjects such as active substances, crops, regions or practices that require special attention or good practices in order to reduce risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MAF, AA

14) Identify active substances which cause serious concern i.e. persistent or high-risk active substances (toxic, very toxic, bioaccumulative, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction) which have safer alternatives and replace them with the alternatives (the list of active substances that are candidates for substitution pursuant to Article 24 of Regulation 1107/2011).

Deadline: as per Regulation 540/2011

Responsible authority: BFSA, RAC

15) Create and keep a plant protection web portal.

Deadline: by the end of 2016.

Responsible authority: BFSA, others

16) Introduce and use mathematical models to forecast the development of key harmful organisms on strategic crops for Bulgaria.

Deadline: gradually until 2015.

Responsible authority: BFSA, AA, Universities


1. Reduced risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment by achieving balance between the environmental and economic needs for the use of plant protection products.

2. Production and marketing of safe and good quality plant produce.

3. Compliance with integrated pest management principles helps minimize the use of plant protection products and apply alternative approaches or methods for plant protection.

4. Enhanced and retained interest of farmers in integrated production of plants and plant products and transition to organic farming.

5. Prevention of harmful organisms developing resistance to plant protection products.

6. Reduced costs of farmers for plant protection products.

MEASURE 7. REDUCTION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE LEVELS IN FOOD OF PLANT

ORIGIN (PRODUCED IN BULGARIA) RISK ASSESSMENT FOR CONSUMERS AS A RESULT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES

IN FOOD

Incorrect use of plant protection products in agriculture leads to increased pesticide residue levels in the elements of the environment and food. It is particularly important for pesticide residue levels in products to be safe for consumers and be minimized as much as possible. Presence of pesticide residues exceeding the maximum levels can pose a risk to consumer health and can have serious side effects if not strictly controlled.

To regulate pesticide residue levels, the European Union has set Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides that are the upper legal level of a concentration for a pesticide residue in food or feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is mainly responsible for harmonization of the MRL values in the Member States. As a member of the EU, Bulgaria has to ensure compliance with and control of the maximum pesticide residue levels.

Exceeded MRL values do not always mean that the product is dangerous to consumer health and unfit for consumption. The MRLs are not toxicological risk levels but the MRLs are set based on the maximum pesticide residue levels in a given crop. Where pesticide residues exceeding the MRL values are established, it is a clear sign that the relevant good plant protection practice has not been complied with in the relevant crop production. However, in order to establish whether there is a toxicological risk to the consumer, long-term and short-term exposure assessments are carried out.

The exposure assessment of consumers from the intake of food with established exceeded pesticide residue levels is carried out by means of the European Risk Assessment Model (Pesticide Risk Assessment Model, PRIMo), developed by the EFSA experts. The findings from the analysis of pesticide residues in this model are connected to data about food consumption in the EU Member States and the cluster diets of the World Health Organization and at-risk and highly sensitive public groups have been included (the model differentiates between the risk for adults and children as children are a much more vulnerable group of consumers).The risk of consumption of contaminated foodstuffs depends largely on the intake amount by a group of consumers which is reflected in the diets.

To ensure compliance with the MRLs, the EU Member States have to perform official controls for presence of pesticide residues. As a Member State of the EU, the Republic of Bulgaria must also control plant production under the national and EU monitoring and control programmes. The data obtained from the Member States is submitted to the EFSA and the EFSA includes such data in its Annual Reports on Pesticide Residues.

MONITORING OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE IN FOOD OF PLANT ORIGIN

To protect consumers from risks to their health arising from presence of pesticide residues in food of plant origin, monitoring of pesticide residues in food of plant origin that has been produced in and imported to Bulgaria shall be performed.

As a Member State of the EU and pursuant to the provisions of Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, 882/2004 and 396/2005, the Republic of Bulgaria prepares and implements annually a single National Programme for pesticide residue control in and on food of plant and animal origin, on the one hand, and fulfills its commitments by taking part in the EU programme provided for in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1274/2011 of 7 December 2011 concerning a coordinated multiannual control programme of the Union for 2011, 2012 and 2013 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels of pesticides and to assess the consumer exposure to pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin.

The control programme aims at ensuring compliance with the proper use of authorised plant protection products in accordance with the Good Plant Protection Practice.

The programme aims at assessing the pesticide residue levels in plant production during harvesting

and their compliance with the maximum pesticide residue levels set and ensuring the proper application of authorized plant protection products (doses of application, quarantine periods, use for authorized purposes).

The implementation of the control programme aims at reducing misuse related to exceeded doses, failure to comply with quarantine periods or use of prohibited pesticides.

The selection of agricultural products shall be on a rotating basis for products of plant origin that Bulgarian consumers eat in largest quantities as part of their diet. The selection shall also consider the findings from the analysis of products in the previous years, the economic importance of products and the recommendation of the European Commission for annual monitoring of pesticide residues in food to protect consumer health from unjustified risk of pesticides.

The programme covers mainly rural areas and crops with intensive use of plant protection products. Samples from plant products were taken from the production sites (the field, the greenhouse) during harvesting prior to the placing of products on the market by trained DFSD inspectors in full compliance with the provisions of Directive 2002/63/EC.

NATIONAL REFERENCE LABORATORIES FOR ANALYSIS OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES

The national reference laboratories (NRL) with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency carrying out analyses of pesticide residues in and on food of plant and animal origin are the Central Laboratory for Chemical Testing and Controls (CLCTC) and the Central Laboratory of Veterinary Control and Ecology (CLVCE).

The Central Laboratory for Chemical Testing and Controls is the national reference laboratory for pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables. It has a developed and operating quality management system (QMS). It has been accredited in compliance with the requirements of BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025 by the Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service for analysis of pesticide residues in plant raw materials and products.

The BFSA has also signed contracts with the following external laboratories, i.e. the laboratories with the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHI) in Sofia City, Varna, Bourgas, Pleven, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. These laboratories have also been accredited under BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025 by the Executive Agency Bulgarian Accreditation Service for analysis of pesticide residues in plant raw materials and products.

When pesticide residues exceeding the MRLs are established in samples from food products, the Risk Analysis Centre with the BFSA performs consumer exposure assessment. Based on the results of the assessment, the future of the product is decided, whether it is fit or unfit for consumption.


1) Increased control of pesticide residues in plants and plant products for consumption by taking and analyzing more samples from more crop types from the field/greenhouse.

Deadline: as of 01.01.2013.

Responsible authority: BFSA, CLCTC

2) Increased control of the use of plant protection products by taking and analyzing more crop samples from the field/greenhouse to identify the used PPPs.

Deadline: as of 01.01.2014.

Responsible authority: BFSA, CLCTC

3) Expanded scope of analyzed active substances by developing and validating new analysis methods and by the purchase of new equipment to ensure analyses within the scope required by the EU-coordinated control programme for pesticide residues.

Deadline: ongoing.

Responsible authority: CLCTC

4) Risk assessment of food of plant origin with established MRLs exceedances.

Deadline: ongoing.

Responsible authority: RAC

5) Publication of information materials regarding contamination of food of plant origin with pesticides on the BFSA’s website.

Deadline: ongoing.

Responsible authority: RAC


1. Reduced pesticide residues in food of plant origin (produced in Bulgaria) which will be a significant contribution to the preventive protection of consumers.

2. Increased interest and demand for Bulgarian plant products by users.

3. Increased confidence of users in products safe to human health.

MEASURE 8. SPECIFIC MEASURES TO PROTECT THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT AND DRINKING WATER

The aquatic environment is especially sensitive to pesticides. It is therefore necessary to avoid pollution of surface water and groundwater by taking appropriate measures to reduce exposure of water bodies to spray drift, drain flow and run-off. Another appropriate measure to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water is compliance with the dimensions of the untreated buffer zones along water bodies. The dimensions of buffer zones should depend in particular on soil characteristics and pesticide properties, as well as agricultural characteristics of the areas concerned. Use of pesticides in areas for the abstraction of drinking and domestic water, on or along transport routes, such as railway lines, or on sealed or very permeable surfaces can lead to higher risks of pollution of the aquatic environment. In such areas the pesticide use should, therefore, be reduced as far as possible, or eliminated, if appropriate.

Pursuant to the existing national legislation, the following main legal requirements in the area of measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water exist:

requirements to the quality of drinking water and domestic use water; Annex No 1, Table B Chemical Indicators of Ordinance No 9 of 16 March 2001 on the quality of drinking and domestic use water sets the maximum pesticide value of 0.1 µg/l per each separate active substance, metabolite or reaction product of pesticides and a total value of 0.5 µg/l as the sum of concentrations of all separate pesticides established during monitoring and identified in quantitative terms. The maximum value for aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide is 0,03 µg/L.

requirements to the quality of fresh surface waters that are used or have the potential to be used for abstraction of drinking water and domestic use water following appropriate treatment. These requirements apply to all surface water supplied for drinking and domestic use via the water distribution network. Annex No 1 Requirements to the quality of surface water used for abstraction of drinking water from Ordinance No 12 on quality requirements to surface water used for abstraction of drinking and domestic water sets the required value for the “total pesticides” indicator for А1, А2 and А3 surface water category as follows: required value for А1 category of 0,001 mg/L; required value for А2 category of 0,0025 mg/L; required value for А3 category of 0,005 mg/L;

requirements to natural mineral, spring and table bottled drinking water. The maximum values and the frequency of monitoring pesticides in spring and table bottled water are laid down in Ordinance on requirements to natural mineral, spring and table bottled drinking and in Ordinance No 9 of 16 March 2001 on the quality of drinking and domestic use water;

requirements to the quality of natural water for bathing in order to protect the health of people using natural bathing water. The quality of bathing water is determined by means of microbiological indicators specified in Ordinance No 5 on bathing water quality management. There is no requirement to inspect pesticides in bathing water. Inspections may be carried out in case of suspected or reported possible contamination of bathing water with pesticides. Pursuant to Ordinance No 11 on bathing water quality (in force until the end of 2013) the recommended pesticide value (total) is 1 µg/L;

bans and restrictions including on the use of pesticides in the belts of safeguard zones are laid down in Ordinance No 3 of 16 October 2000 on the conditions and procedure for development, design, approval and exploitation of safeguard zones around water sources and drinking and domestic water supply facilities and around mineral water sources for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and hygienic use;

requirements for the permissible level of contamination of the various surface flowing water categories laid down in Annex No 1 Indicators and standards to determine the permissible level of contamination of the various surface flowing water categories of Ordinance No 7 of 8 August 1986 on the indicators and standards to determine the quality of flowing surface water (e.g. permissible value for substances such as formaldehyde, fenitrotion, atrazine, difenzoquat,

etc); requirements for surface water set down in Annex No 2, part А Environmental quality

standards of Ordinance on the environmental quality standards for priority substances and other pollutants (e.g. maximum concentration of the substances atrazine, endosulfan, trifluralin, chlorpyrifos/chlorpyrifos-ethyl, etc.) and item 9 Biocides and plant protection products of Annex No 3 List of main pollutants of Ordinance No 13 of 2 April 2007 on the characteristics of surface waters;

requirements for groundwater; Annex No 1 Groundwater quality standards of Ordinance no 1 of 10 October 2007 on groundwater development, use and conservation lays down the following groundwater quality standards: for pesticides – 0.1 µg/L for each active substance; for total amount of pesticides – 0.5 µg/L as the sum of concentrations of all individual pesticides; for aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide – 0.03 µg/L;

water protection areas (WPA) pursuant to the Water Act (WA) are designated in the River Basin Management Plan together with the measures and deadlines to achieve the goals for the relevant WPA.

The Ministry of Environment and Water together with the Basin Directorates (BD), the Executive Environment Agency (EEA) and the Ministry of Health are the competent authorities for the implementation of monitoring programmes regarding water quality.

Via the EEA, the Ministry of Environment and Water monitors surface and groundwater in accordance with the Order on water monitoring of the Minister of Environment and Water including water monitoring in the WPAs. This water monitoring is part of the National Water Monitoring System. The main data about water quantity and quality is collected from the National Water Monitoring System. The water monitoring system enables identification of the causes of pollution of surface and groundwater (general pollution, toxic substances, biogenic elements, etc.), as well as the pollution sources (point and diffuse), establishing the efficiency of various monitoring programmes, identification of trends about the water quality and taking measures to improve their quality.

The main legislative instrument at the EU level regarding water is Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, the so-called Water Framework Directive. The Water Framework Directive lays down the requirements to water in order to achieve good condition of all water resources and of water protection areas by 2015. The main strategic goal of the Water Act is to ensure sufficient supply of good quality water used for various purposes.

Monitoring of surface water

The monitoring of the surface water quality and the evaluation of the findings enable the chemical status of rivers, dams, lakes and the Black Sea to be characterized. Each station from the monitoring network characterizes certain water section that may be polluted from agriculture and other pollutants.

There are 533 monitoring stations in the country and they are distributed in the four Basin Directorates, i.e. the Danube region, the Black Sea region, the East Aegean Region and the West Aegean Region.

The indicators monitored are divided into three main groups, i.e. major physico-chemical properties, priority substances and specific pollutants and the monitoring frequency ranges from 4 to 12 times per year. Approximately 22-30 indicators are analyzed. Thus, active substances, for instance, such as endosulfan and linden are on the list of priority substances while substances such as aldrin, dieldrin endrin, DDT are on the list of specific pollutants.

Monitoring of surface water for drinking and domestic consumption

The monitoring for pesticides in water abstracted from surface water sources used for drinking and domestic water consumption is carried out by the Basin Directorates via the Regional Laboratories with the EEA and the water supply and sewage companies. The Basin Directorates develop

Programmes for control and own monitoring of drinking water.

The frequency of sampling is between 1 and 12 times per year depending on the population size serviced by the water source.

Groundwater monitoring

The groundwater monitoring networks include 292 stations for control and operational monitoring of the chemical status of groundwater and monitoring stations of water protection areas. 628 samples were taken pursuant Order No RD-715/02.08.2010. The analyses are performed of the following groups of indicators:

1. Physico-chemical indicators: 1st group, i.e. major physico-chemical indicators; 2nd group, i.e. additional physico-chemical indicators.

2. Specific pollutants: 1st group, i.e. metals and metalloids; 2nd group, i.e. organic substances including pesticides.

Sampling for the analysis of the major physico-chemical indicators is carried out between 2 and 4 times per year, for additional physico-chemical indicators – between 1 and 4 times per year, for metals and metalloids – 1-2 times per year and for organic substances (including pesticides) – once per year.

Pesticide monitoring is not planned and carried out at all groundwater monitoring stations. Pursuant to Order No РД-715/02.08.2010 pesticides are examined in 119 groundwater monitoring stations.

The monitoring network of the groundwater quantity status (where the water level of wells and the water flow of springs and Artesian wells are measured) does not match the monitoring network of the chemical status for most stations. It is maintained by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. The EEA (via the Regional laboratories) carries out measurements of water levels and flows in few of the monitoring stations where sampling for chemical tests is also carried out.

To protect groundwater from pollution, a risk assessment of bodies of groundwater from the relevant point and diffuse sources is carried out as part of the River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). This is how water bodies at risk of failure to meet the objectives under Article 4 of the water Framework Directive are identified. The risk assessment and the development of monitoring networks for the chemical and quantity status of groundwater are carried out based on a conceptual model (concept) for each body of groundwater. In the event of any proved risk or upward trends of concentrations of some pollutants in groundwater, programmes of measures are planned in the RBMP. Underground water is considered from the point of view of living resources which can be exposed to risk, i.e. water or land ecosystems or human health (drinking water supply, irrigation, etc.) to establish quality standards or threshold values for various pollutants. Agriculture and localities without sanitation system are regarded as diffuse pollutants, while landfills, mines, heaps and tailings dams are regarded as point sources of pollution of groundwater.

The Ministry of Health performs monitoring of drinking water (from water supply network stations and tap water of the end user), bathing water and mineral water.

The main legal acts of the EU regarding drinking water, bathing water and mineral water are as follows:

Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption;

Directive 2009/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2009 on the exploitation and marketing of natural mineral waters;

Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.

Control of drinking water, bathing water and bottled water

The Ministry of Health and its 28 regional structures, i.e. the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHI) is the competent authority with regard to drinking water, bathing water and bottled natural mineral water, spring and table water.

Water supply companies are the competent organizations for full monitoring of the drinking water quality in their capacity as structures supplying water for drinking and domestic consumption. Monitoring is planned and carried out under joint monitoring programmes between water supply and sewage operators and the RHIs. Water supply companies are obliged to carry out 100% of the minimum monitoring legally required in the relevant water supply areas, while the RHIs have to carry out approximately 50% more of the full monitoring.

Bathing water monitoring is carried out by the RHI pursuant to the requirements of Ordinance No 5 on bathing water quality management.

The specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water supplies from the impact of plant protection products are set in compliance with the provisions of the Water Act and Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and they are part of the Programmes of measures included in the river basin management plans. The measures are as follows:

giving preference to plant protection products that:

- are not classified as dangerous for the aquatic environment pursuant to Ordinance on the procedure and manner of classification, packaging and labeling of chemical substances and mixtures and/or Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008;

- are not containing priority hazardous substances as set out in the Water Act; giving preference to the most efficient application techniques such as the use of low-drift PPP

application equipment especially in vertical crops such as hops and those found in orchards and vineyards;

minimizing the risk of off-site pollution caused by spray drift, drain-flow and run-off including by:

- establishing of untreated buffer zones for the protection of non-target aquatic organisms; the buffer zones shall be set separately for each plant protection product during its assessment and authorisation and shall be indicated on the product label;

- by imposing bans and restrictions on activities involving plant protection products in safeguard zones for surface and groundwater used for the abstraction of drinking water and domestic use water;

reducing as far as possible or eliminating applications of plant protection products on or along roads, railway lines, very permeable surfaces or other infrastructure close to surface water or groundwater or on sealed surfaces with a high risk of run-off into surface water or sewage systems.


With regard to drinking water:

1) Drink water quality monitoring

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: water supply and sewerage operators (full monitoring); MH, RHI (up to 50% of full monitoring)

2) Monitoring of surface water and groundwater used for drinking and domestic consumption Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MEW, BD, EEA, water supply and sewerage operators

3) Improved data collection and exchange about the pesticides types used in water catchment

areas (water abstraction) and safeguard zones of water bodies used for drinking water and domestic use water and of mineral water bodies used for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and hygienic purposes.

Deadline: ongoing after 2014

Responsible authority: BFSA, MH, MEW, BD

4) Giving preference to the measures included in the river basin management plans (RBMP) regarding protection of drinking and mineral water bodies from pollution from pesticides.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MEW, BD

5) Publication of data on the websites of the MEW and BD regarding the relevant safeguard zones of drinking water bodies in the form of registers of zones.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible institution: MEW, BD

6) Improved control of compliance with the requirements for a ban and restriction of the use of pesticides in safeguard zones.

Deadline: after the entry into force of the PPA

Responsible institution: MH, RHI, MEW, BD, legal entities using water bodies

7) Updating the legal framework on safeguard zones around water bodies used for drinking and domestic use water and mineral water bodies.

Deadline: 2013

Responsible institution: MEW, BD

With regard to the aquatic environment:

8) Giving preference to plant protection products that are not classified as dangerous for the aquatic environment pursuant to Ordinance on the procedure and manner of classification, packaging and labeling of chemical substances and mixtures and/or Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and not containing priority hazardous substances as set out in the Water Act.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: BFSA, MEW, plant protection industry, farmers’ associations

9) Giving preference to the most efficient application techniques such as the use of low-drift PPP application equipment especially in vertical crops such as hops and those found in orchards and vineyards.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: TCI, associations of traders of agricultural machinery, farmers’ associations

10) Minimizing the risk of off-site pollution caused by spray drift, drain-flow and run-off including by the establishment of untreated buffer zones for the protection of non-target aquatic organisms; the buffer zones shall be set separately for each plant protection product during its assessment and authorisation and shall be indicated on the product label.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: BFSA, farmers, farmers’ associations

11) Reducing as far as possible or eliminating applications of plant protection products on or along roads, railway lines, very permeable surfaces or other infrastructure close to surface water or groundwater or on sealed surfaces with a high risk of run-off into surface water or sewage systems.



12) Compliance with bans and restrictions on activities involving plant protection products in safeguard zones of water bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water and domestic use water and of mineral water and in safeguard zones of surface water and groundwater used for drinking and domestic consumption.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MEW, BD, MH, farmers, farmers’ associations

13) Setting specific measures for protection of the aquatic environment by order of the Minister of Environment and Water and in coordination with the Minister of Health, i.e. specific measures for the protection of waters used for drinking and domestic consumption from the impact of pesticides.

Deadline: as per the Water Act

Responsible authority: MEW

14) Ban on the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on protection areas defined in accordance with the Water Act or other areas defined by order of the Minister of Environment and Water. Where necessary to treat such areas, plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be applied.


Responsible authority: MEW, BFSA

15) Ensuring integrated water management in the public interest and for the protection of public health as well as creating conditions to reduce the loss of priority substances and priority hazardous substances in accordance with the Water Act.

Deadline: the deadline set in river basin management plans

Responsible authority: MEW, BD

16) Monitoring of surface waters pursuant to Order for water monitoring of the Minister of Environment and Water.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: BD, EEA

17) Groundwater monitoring pursuant to Order for water monitoring of the Minister of Environment and Water.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: BD. EEA


1. Taking measures to reduce risks of pesticide residues in drinking and bottled water will result in reduced risks and impacts of pesticides on human health.

2. Prevention and/or reduction of pesticide pollution of water will ensure reduced risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

3. Prevention and/or reduction of risks of pesticide residues in water bodies will result in reduced risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

4. Protection of waters and safeguard zones.

MEASURE 9. ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION MEASURESTo achieve the goal of reducing risks and impacts of pesticide use on the environment, the National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides lays down a more global requirement for environment protection, in addition to the requirement for specific measures for the protection of the aquatic environment and drinking water, i.e. environment protection by prevention and/or reduction of pesticide pollution not only of water but also soil. The prevention and/or reduction of pesticide pollution of water and soil shall be achieved by means of the measures and activities already in place and specified in the National Plan regarding the mandatory initial and additional training of persons working with pesticides in the course of their professional activity, i.e. professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors, the mandatory inspection of pesticide application equipment, mandatory compliance with the general principles of integrated pest management by farmers, aerial spraying ban, etc.

The existing national legislation sets a requirement for monitoring only of some pesticide types, i.e. persistent organic polluters (POPs) in soil. The limit values for POPs including organochlorine pesticides are set out in Ordinance No 3 of 1 August 2008 on limit values for harmful substances in soil. Pursuant to Article 8 of Ordinance No 4 on soil monitoring the National Soil Monitoring System is organised at three levels. Different parameters are monitored at different levels. At the first level of large-scale monitoring, only 8 (eight) persistent organic polluters are monitored (aldrin, DDT/DDD/DDE, dieldrin, endrin, alpha-and beta-HCH, gama-HCH (lindan), hexachlorobenzene (НСВ), mirex and heptachlor). As from 2013, 4 more persistent pesticides will be monitored, i.e. endosulfan, lindan, chlordecone and pentachlorobenzene, with regard to their inclusion in the Annexes of the Stockholm Convention. The large-scale monitoring includes monitoring in an evenly distributed network of 16х16 km used for agricultural land and the number of stations is 397.The frequency of large-scale monitoring is every 5 years in the autumn.

Water monitoring programmes are set out in the Measure entitled Specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water.ACTIVITIES for the implementation of Measure 9:

1) Monitoring of persistent organic polluters (POPs) in soil in accordance with the soil monitoring schemes approved by Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MEW, EEA

2) Monitoring of active substances as set out in the Ordinance on environmental quality standards for priority substances and some specific pollutants.

Deadline: ongoing

Responsible authority: MEW, EEA


Available data about the content of pesticides, POPs, in soil and some priority substances and other specific pollutants in the environment.

Environment protection, water and soil in particular.

MEASURE 10. INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ABOUT AREAS TREATED WITH PESTICIDES2

Pursuant to the provisions of Directive 2009/128/EC, persons who could be exposed to the spray drift should be informed.

For that purpose, when aerial spraying is carried out, information will be made available to the public about the granted aerial spraying authorisations as follows:

the area to be sprayed;

the date and time of spraying;

the plant protection product type.

The BFSA shall publish information on its website about all aerial spraying authorisations granted. For the information to reach the general public, this information shall be also disseminated via DFSD, mayor’s offices and local mass media or in any other appropriate way.

The conditions and procedure for notification of aerial spraying and treatment with insecticides and vegetation herbicides with land machinery as well as protection areas regarding treatment with PPPs are set out in Ordinance No 15 of 2004 on measures to protect bees and bee families from poisoning and methods for carrying out plant protection, disinfection and disinsection activities and in Ordinance No 104 of 22 August 2006 on the control of placing on the market and use of plant protection products of the Minister of Agriculture and Food as follows:

the person commissioning air treatment or treatment with insecticides and vegetation herbicides with land machinery shall notify the mayor of the locality whose land shall be sprayed 5 days prior to the treatment;

within 3 working days at least (72 hours) prior to the treatment, the mayor shall notify in writing and by phone, as well as in an announcement placed in a prominent place in the relevant locality the owners of apiaries in the area and the mayors and deputy mayors of the localities whose lands border the treated areas;

when agricultural lands are treated with PPPs, the following minimum protected zones shall be observed depending on the wind direction:

- where land machinery is used, not less than 50 meters when the wind is in the opposite direction to the locality and not less than 150 meters when the wind is in the direction of the locality;

- where aircraft is used, not less than 200 meters when the wind in the opposite direction to the locality and not less than 800 meters when the wind is in the direction of the locality.

Plant protection products for agricultural and forest crops at a wind speed of nor more than 2 m/sec shall be applied:

- on areas that are located not less than 50 meters from localities and aviaries, where treatment is carried out by means of land machinery;

- on areas that are located not less than 300 meters from localities and aviaries, where treatment is carried out by means of an aircraft.

Areas with crops in bloom as well as areas bordering crops in bloom, pastures and water abstraction zones shall not be treated.

Land machinery for treatment with insecticides shall not be used in the period from 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. until the end of May and from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. from June to October.

The areas and crops treated with PPPs from the first group shall be marked until the expiry of 2 Measure Information to the public about the areas treated with pesticides does not list activities for the implementation of the measure because the activities set out herein are some of the activities to be carried out for the implementation of Measure Aerial Spraying and Measure Reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas. That is why Measure Information to the public about the areas treated with pesticides also does not list the expected results because they have already been listed in Measure Aerial Spraying and Measure Reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas with regard to the activities implemented under the latter measures.

the quarantine period with warning signs “POISON!” placed in prominent places on the access roads.

MEASURE 11. INFORMATION AND AWARENESS-RAISING ABOUT THE IMPACTS OF PESTICIDE USE ON HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

It is necessary for the public to be better informed about the overall impact that pesticides have and the possible risks related to their use by means of awareness raising campaigns, by sales advisors providing information about them while a sale is being made and by means of other measures. In connection with this necessity actions have been taken in terms of:

informing the general public and promoting and facilitating information and awareness-raising programs and the availability of accurate and balanced information relating to pesticides, in particular regarding risks and potential acute and chronic effects for human health, non-target organisms and the environment arising from their use, and the use of non-chemical alternatives;

gathering information on pesticide acute poisoning incidents, as well as chronic poisoning developments where available, among groups that may be exposed regularly to pesticides such as professional users, operators, agricultural workers or persons living close to areas for plant protection product application.

Research programs aimed at determining the impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment, including studies on high-risk groups, are to be promoted at European and national level. To enhance the comparability of information by 26 November 2012 the European Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall develop a strategic guidance document on monitoring and surveying of impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

On behalf of the crop protection industry, i.e. the Bulgarian Crop Protection Industry Association, a number of steps were taken to inform the general public and raise its awareness on the risks of using illegal plant protection products. A video on illegal pesticides was made and broadcasted on television channels; a free hot line was launched where signals can be given about fake and illegal plant protection products- 08000 18 112; joint seminars with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency were held on “Countering Illegal Plant Protection Products”. The free hotline is operational, signals there are accepted free of charge and anonymity is guaranteed. Farmers` awareness about the hotline is to be raised, in terms of why it was established, types of signals that can be given there etc. Brochures are published which inform farmers about banned plant protection products as well as about the deadlines in which these products may be stored and used. Seminars with the participation of different stakeholders are organized where awareness is raised about the problem with illegal and fake pesticide use and measures are discussed to combat the proliferation and use of illegal and fake pesticides.

The enumerated information materials are aimed at different target groups - professional and non-professional users of pesticides, plant protection product distributors, citizens, state authorities etc.


1) Providing information to the general public, on the web page of BFSA, about plant protection products, the risks and potential acute and chronic effects for human health, non-target organisms and the environment arising from their use, and the use of non-chemical alternatives Deadline: ongoing Responsible authority: BFSA, RAC 2) Annual reporting at BFSA of any available information related to the lack of expected efficacy, the development of resistance and to any unexpected effect on plants, plant products or the environment as well as information about observations on the impact of the product on professional users.Deadline: ongoingResponsible authority: holders of the marketing authorization and the authorization for use of

the plant protection product 3) Gathering information on plant protection product acute poisoning incidents, as well as chronic poisoning developments, among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as professional users, operators, agricultural workers

Deadline: ongoingResponsible authority: MH (by 01.06.2015), N.I.Pirogov UMHATEM (as of 01.06.2015)

4) Gathering information on plant protection product acute poisoning incidents, as well as chronic poisoning developments, among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as persons living close to areas for plant protection product applicationDeadline: ongoingResponsible authority: MH (by 01.06.2015), N.I.Pirogov UMHATEM (as of

01.06.2015)


1. Available information about acute plant protection product poisoning incidents as well as chronic poisoning developments, among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as professionals, operators and agricultural workers.

2. Available information about acute plant protection product poisoning incidents as well as chronic poisoning developments, among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as persons living close to areas for plant protection product application.

3. Raising the awareness of the general public, institutions, professional and non-professional pesticide users, operators, agricultural workers, plant protection product distributors and advisors on the impact of plant protection product use on human health and the environment.

4. Mitigating the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health as a result of the raised awareness of the above mentioned people.

5. Raised awareness of both institutions and users about the requirements for the sale and use of plant protection products.

6. Raising the awareness of institutions, distributors and farmers about the risks connected with the sale and use of unauthorized, illegal and fake plant protection products.

MEASURE 12. REDUCTION OF PESTICIDE USE OR RISKS IN SPECIFIC AREAS

The use of pesticides can be particularly dangerous in very sensitive areas, such as Natura 2000 areas protected pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. In other places such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds, and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities, the risks of exposure to pesticides are high.

Due to that a ban shall be imposed on the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on:

• areas used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities;

• protected areas as defined in the Water Act or other areas identified by force of an Order by the Minister of Environment and Water;

In case such areas are to be treated plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products shall be applied when the active ingredients in their composition meet the requirements of Article 22 and Article 47 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 or biological agents shall be applied.

Access of agricultural workers to areas, treated with plant protection products shall be restricted for a period of time complying with the guidelines for application of the products used.


1) Prohibiting the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on areas, used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities. In case such areas are to be treated plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be applied.Deadline: in compliance with PPAResponsible authority: BFSA, municipalities, mayor`s office

2) Prohibiting the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on protected areas as defined in the Water Act or other areas identified by force of an Order by the Minister of Environment and Water. In case such areas are to be treated plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be used.Deadline: in compliance with PPAResponsible authority: BD, BFSA

3) Access of agricultural workers to areas, treated with plant protection products shall be restricted for a period of time complying with the guidelines for application of the products used.

Deadline: in compliance with PPAResponsible authority: BFSA

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

4) Forbidding pesticide use in certain areas, including some protected areas such as pastures, meadows in some of the areas of the Natura 2000 ecological network. Deadline: ongoingResponsible authority: MEW

5) Abiding by the legal requirements for the protection of bees and bee colonies against pesticide poisoning.Deadline: ongoingResponsible authority: MAF, BFSA, a c c r e d i t e d l a b o r a t o r i e s t o a n a l y z e

t h e p e s t i c i d e r e s i d u e i n b e e s a n d p l a n t m a t e r i a l s

6) Implementing additional measures to protect bees from pesticide poisoning. Deadline: ongoingResponsible authority: MAF, BFSA, RAC, farmers` associations, the crop protection

industry, bee-keepers` associations


1. Prevention and/ or mitigation of the risk related to pesticide use in public spaces and recreation grounds, which shall guarantee the protection of the general public and the vulnerable groups.

2. Prevention and/ or mitigation of water and soil pollution with pesticides shall guarantee the mitigation of the risks and impact of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

3. Decrease of exposure to pesticides and respectively protection of agricultural workers.

EXPECTED ADDITIONAL RESULTS

Prevention and/ or mitigation of the impact of pesticides on the biological diversity and natural habitats, including soil biodiversity, non-target organisms, bees, etc.

VI. INDICATORS USED IN THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF PESTICIDED IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

In conjunction with Article 15 of Directive 2009/128/ EC, harmonized risk indicators shall be established on a European level. After their introduction the Member States may continue to use existing national indicators or adopt other appropriate indicators in addition to the harmonized ones.

In order to measure the progress, related to meeting the targets stipulated in the Action Plan and the measures for their implementation, Bulgaria shall use the following indicators split into 3 groups, depending on their environmental, health, social and economic impact as follows:

I. Environmental and health indicators

1. Pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin

1.1. Number of samples taken and analyzed for pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin. 1.2. Number of analyzed active substances. 1.3. Number of crops from which samples have been taken for analysis of the levels of pesticide

residues in foodstuffs of plant origin. 1.4. Number of analyzed samples which do not contain any pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant

origin.1.5. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues below the MAC in foodstuffs of

plant origin. 1.6. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residues levels above the maximum allowable

concentration (>MAC) in foodstuffs of plant origin. 1.7. Number of analyzed samples containing several pollutants. 1.8. Number of analyzed samples containing banned active substance/s. 1.9. Number of risk assessments made for foodstuffs with pesticide residue levels above the

maximum allowable concentration (>MAC). 1.10. Number of RASFF notifications in terms of pesticide residue levels above the maximum

allowable concentration which have led to withdrawals of foodstuffs of plant origin (as % of all reports/signals).

2. Pesticide residues in water

2.1. Number of samples taken and analyzed for pesticide residues in drinking and bottled water and in surface water and groundwater for drinking and domestic use.

2.2. Number of analyzed samples of drinking and bottled water and surface water and groundwater for public drinking water supplies with pesticide levels below the MAC.

2.3. Number of analyzed samples of drinking and bottled water and surface water and groundwater for public drinking water supplies with pesticide levels above the MAC.

2.4. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residue levels below the MAC in surface water, in compliance with the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

2.5. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residue levels above the MAC in surface water, in compliance with the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

2.6. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residue levels below the MAC in groundwater, in compliance with the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

2.7. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residue levels above the MAC in groundwater, in compliance with the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

3. Pesticide residues in soils

3.1. Number of soil samples taken and analyzed, for which it has been established to have persistent organohalogen pesticide residue levels below the MAC and which shall be subject to annual monitoring by EEA.

3.2. Number of soil samples taken and analyzed, for which it has been established to have persistent organohalogen pesticide residue levels above the MAC and which shall be subject to annual monitoring by EEA.

4. Pesticide application equipment

4.1. Pesticide application equipment that has been inspected (as % of the whole pesticide application equipment).

5. Integrated pest management

5.1. Number of breaches found in terms of implementation of the general principles of integrated pest management.

5.2. Number of farmers who apply voluntarily the specific IPM principles (area covered as % of the overall cultivated area).

5.3. Number of registered farmers dealing with organic farming (as % of the overall number of registered F).

5.4. Area used for organic farming as % of the overall cultivated area. 5.5. Number of registered persons who provide IPM consultancy services. 5.6. Number of registered farmers who deal with integrated production of plants and plant products

on the territory of the country. 5.7. Number of violations found in terms of integrated production.5.8. Number of information campaigns made, number of brochures and posters made, etc. in terms of

IPM. 5.9. Number of crops and number of pests for which the economic threshold (ET) has been updated.

6. Control on plant protection products

6.1. Number of people who have marketing authorization for PPPs. Number of outlets that trade in PPPs.

6.2. Number of people who have authorization to repackage PPPs. Number of repackaging facilities for PPPs.

6.3. Number of people who have authorization to fumigate with PPPs. Number of fumigated sites (as of 2013). 6.4. Number of registered people who perform specialized plant protection activities- fumigation,

decontamination of seeds and number of sites. 6.5. Data about control exercised on the plant protection product market. 6.6. Data about control exercised on the use of plant protection products. 6.7. Number of violations of the law in terms of sale and use of plant protection products (for example offering

and sale of PPPs by unauthorized persons, sale of PPPs from the professional category of use to persons who do not have a certificate, sale or use of unauthorized PPPs, etc.)

6.8. Number of correspondences for cross-compliance in terms of PPP use (as of 2014).

7. Aerial spraying

7.1. Number of written approvals for aerial spraying. 7.2. Number of reasoned refusals to issue approval for aerial spraying. 7.3. Number of breaches found during aerial spraying.

8. Pesticide poisoning of people

8.1. Number of pesticide acute and chronic poisoning incidents of professional users, operators and agricultural workers.

8.2. Number of pesticide acute and chronic poisoning incidents of residents and bystanders in areas where pesticides are used.

9. Pesticide poisoning of non-target organisms

9.1. Number of cases of pesticide poisoning of bees. 9.2. Number of cases of pesticide poisoning of animals, birds and other non-target organisms.

10. Areas used by the general public, protected areas and other specific areas (under Article 12 of Directive 2009/128/EC)

10.1.Number of violations related to the use of PPPs from the professional category of use in areas used by the general public, protected areas and other specific areas (under Article 12 of Directive 2009/128/EC).

10.2. Number of violations related to the use of PPPs in protected areas and areas of the Natura 2000 ecological network where a ban on pesticide use has been introduced.

II. Social indicators

1. Number of people trained by 26.11.2013.2. Number of certificates issued to professional pesticide users and to advisors by 26.11.2013. 3. Number of certificates issued to distributors and sales advisors at phytosanitary pharmacies by

26.11.2015. 4. Number of certificates withdrawn after 26.11.2013.5. Number of signals given by citizens about breaches in terms of use and sale of PPPs. 6. Number of reported cases about lack of expected efficacy, the development of resistance and

any unexpected effect on plants, plant products or the environment, as well as information about observations on the effect of the product on professionals.

III. Economic indicators

1. The amount of agricultural area, cultivated by people who have a certificate (as % of the overall cultivated area).

2. Econom ic t h r e s ho ld attacks by economically important pest - areas, crops.

3. Declared calamity or epiphytotic outbreak- area, crops. 4. Statistical data on PPP use. 5. Statistical data on the PPPs released on the market.

Information about the enumerated indicators is to be gathered, they are to be calculated and analyzed by the respective competent authorities.

Remarks:1. Information about a number of indicators is currently being gathered for example

information about pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin, information about the PPPs released on the market, PPP use, etc.

2. For other indicators information is going to be gathered in a certain period of time for example as of 26.11.2013- number of certificates withdrawn, etc.

VII. FINANCING OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN

The funds necessary for the activities of the budgetary organizations in terms of the implementation of the National Action Plan are to be provided by the budget of the respective Ministries, within the framework of their expenditure ceilings.

Opportunities for providing external sources of funding are going to be searched within the respective EU Programs or other donor programs in terms of strengthening the administrative capacity, data base creation and purchasing of equipment.

The expected costs (in BGN) are indicatively determined for financing additional activities that every authority will implement for the purposes of the National Action Plan and they are targeted at providing funds for maintenance and capital expenditure as follows:

TABLE 8: Financial report about the estimated costs of budgetary organizations on additional activities necessary for the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides

№ Activities Source of funding/

Responsible authorities

2013 2014 2015 Expected costs in BGN

1.2. Introduction of a certification system for professional pesticide users, advisors and distributors.

BFSA 10000 15000 15000 40000

1.3. Establishment and maintaining of a public register of the persons who have been certified to use plant protection products from the professional category of use.

BFSA 15000 2500 2500 20000

3.1. Development and maintaining of the register for authorized PPPs on the website of BFSA- PPP authorization, label and safety data sheet in Bulgarian.

BFSA 48000 5000 5000 58000

4.1. Providing the necessary equipment for the obligatory inspections of equipment for land-based machines used for application of pesticides that are in use in terms of the safety and protection of human health and the environment.

TCI 0 1024000 0 1024000

4.2. Conducting obligatory inspections of equipment for land-based machines used for pesticide application that are in use in terms of the safety and protection of human health and the environment since as of 26.11.2016 only equipment for application of pesticides that has successfully passed an inspection shall be used.

TCI 0 239000 239000 478000

5.2. Conducting physical inspections to give approval for aerial spraying and control in extraordinary cases when there are no other opportunities for protecting the plants and plant protection products from pests or there are clear advantages in terms of reduced impacts on human health and the environment as compared with land-based application of plant protection products.

BFSA 30000 30000 30000 90000

5.9. Providing information to the public on the web page of BFSA in terms of the approvals given for aerial spraying such as information about the area to be sprayed, the day and hour in which it is planned to be sprayed and the type of plant protection product to be used

.

BFSA 1200 1200 1200 3600

6.1. Updating and printing of the drafted Integrated Pest Management Guidelines.

BFSARAC

10000 10000 50000 70000

6.2. Updating on a scientific basis the Economic Thresholds for the main crops- Economic Thresholds for the Main Pests and Diseases on Agricultural Crops of 1997, approved by the Director General of the National Service for Plant Protection and Agrochemistry.

BFSAetc.

20000 20000 0 40000

6.4. Establishment and maintenance of a public register of persons that have been registered and can provide consultancy services on integrated pest management.

BFSA 5000 1200 1200 7400

6.5. Establishment and maintenance of registers of farmers that deal with integrated production of plants and plant products- by DFSD for the territory of the respective district and by the Central office of BFSA- a national register that is to contain the data of the district registers.

BFSADFSD

5000 1200 1200 7400

6.6. Control on farmers in terms of their compliance with the general principles of integrated pest management.

BFSADFSD

0 250000 250000 500000

6.7. Making information campaigns about the general principles of IPM.

BFSADFSD

40000 0 0 40000

6.13. Identification of priority items such as active substances, crops, regions or practices requiring special attention or best practices in terms of reducing the risks and impact of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

MAFPSP

10000 10000 10000 30000

6.14. Identification of active substances that are of particular concern, persistent or high-risk active substances (toxic, very toxic, bioaccumulative, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction) for which there are safer alternatives and substitution with these alternatives (the list of active substances candidates for substitution, in compliance with Article 24 of Regulation (EC) No1107/2011)

BFSARAC

9600 9800 9950 29350

6.15. Establishment and maintenance of a plant protection web portal.

BFSA etc. 15000 1200 1200 17400

6.16. Introduction and use of mathematical models for pest forecasting in the forecasting system.

BFSA etc. 0 125000 125000 250000

7.1. Strengthening control on pesticide residues in plants and plant products intended for foodstuff by taking and analyzing a larger number of samples from the fields or greenhouses, of a larger number of crops.

BFSA CLVCE

80000 1080000 80000 1240000

7.2. Strengthening control on the use of plant protection products by taking and analyzing of plant samples from the field or greenhouses in order for the PPPs used to be identified.

BFSA CLVCE

30000 40000 50000 120000

8.1. Monitoring drinking water quality. MHRHI (up to 50% of the total volume)

60000 730000 350000 1140000

12.1. Control on the ban on using plant protection products from the professional category of use on areas, used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities.

BFSA 4600 4600 4600 13800

12.10. Implementing additional measures (seminars, meetings, information materials etc.) to protect bees from pesticide poisoning.

MAFBFSA RAC

2400 2450 2500 7350

13. Introduction of specialized software to maintain a data base, connected with the control activities of BFSA in terms of releasing PPPs on the market and their use.

BFSA 0 62000 5000 67000

14. Analysis of the impact the measures in the National Action Plan have in terms of the sustainable use of pesticides.

BFSA 0 0 50000 50000

15. Printing of the National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.

BFSA 5000 0 0 5000

TOTAL 400800 3664150 1283350 5348300

VIII. DEADLINES

In connection with the National Action Plan deadlines have been set for the implementation of the stipulated measures and activities as follows:

1. Deadlines in compliance with the national and EU legislation:

The deadlines, stipulated in the legislation refer to abiding by the Member States` commitment connected with their National Action Plans as follows:

• Bulgaria is to provide its National Action Plan to the European Commission and the other Member States by 26 November 2012;

• the National Action Plan is to be reviewed once at least every 5 years and any major amendments to it are to be reported in due time to the European Commission

2. Deadlines for the implementation of the activities stipulated in NAP:

The deadlines for implementation of the activities stipulated in the National Action Plan have been presented for each individual action in Table 9 Measures, Activities, Deadlines, Indicators and Expected Results from the Implementation of the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, in Section IX of this Plan- Accountability.

It is expected that after the implementation of the activities stipulated in NAP, in compliance with the deadlines, in the next few years progress will be achieved in terms of the sustainable use of pesticides in Bulgaria.

IX. ACCOUNTABILITY

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Health are developing a system to collect and analyze information about the activities, measures and indicators, stipulated in the National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Pesticides in compliance with their competences. Each competent state institution is to annually prepare, collect and analyze such data and information.

Within the framework of their competences, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Environment and Water and the Ministry of Health are to annually provide the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency with all the data and information that they have. Should this be necessary such information can be required from other competent organizations as well.

At least once every 5 years an impact assessment of the implementation of the activities and measures for the respective period of implementation of the National Action Plan is to be made and a report is to be drafted. The assessment is to be made on the basis of information collected from all competent authorities and organizations and it is to monitor the condition, analyze the results, follow the trends and make proposals for the necessary amendments to the Plan. The impact assessment of the activities and measures in terms of the implementation of the National Action Plan is to be made by organizations, structures or persons, competent to prepare such type of analysis so that the progress in meeting the targets of the Directive on sustainable use of pesticides can be accounted for. The measures, activities, deadlines, indicators and expected results from the implementation of the National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides have been presented in Table 9.

TABLE 9: MEASURES, ACTIVITIES, DEADLINES, INDICATORS AND EXPECTED RRESULTS FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF PESTICIDES

Main goals:1. Reduction of the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment. 2. Promoting the use of integrated pest management and of alternative approaches or methods.

№ Measure/Activity Responsible authorities

Implementation deadline

Indicators to measure progress Priority Expected results

1. Training1.1. Setting up a system for initial and additional training of persons

who handle pesticides in the course of their professional activity (professional users of pesticides, distributors and advisors)

Higher schools and institutions in the sphere of vocational education and training

in compliance with PPA

Number of trained people by26.11.2013

High Reducing risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of the acquisition ofspecialized knowledge by




1.2. Setting up a certification system for professional users of pesticides, advisors, distributors and sales advisors at PSPs.

BFSA by 26.11.2013 for professional users of pesticides and

advisors; by 26.11.2015 for

distributors, sales advisors at PSPs

1. Number of certificates issued to professional users and advisors after 26.11.2013.2. Number of certificates issued to distributors and sales advisors at PSPs after 26.11.2015.3. Number of withdrawn certificates after 26.11.2013.4. The amount of agricultural area, cultivated by people who have a certificate (as % of the overall cultivated area)

High by professional users, distributors and advisors.

.

1.3. BFSA by 26.11.2013 for the

establishment of the register; ongoing- for

maintaining it

HighEstablishment and maintenance of a public register of persons who have been certified to work with plant protection products from a professional category of use.

2. Requirements for sales of pesticides2.1. Persons who trade in plant protection products must have

provided:• for each facility trading in PPPs- at least one person

with higher education in the sphere of agrarian sciences who has been certified* to work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

• for each phytosanitary pharmacy- at least one sales advisor with higher education in the sphere of agrarian sciences or secondary vocational education in the sphere of plant production who has been certified* to work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

BFSA, PPP traders in terms of requirements for

persons, trading in PPPs: ongoing

in terms of the requirement for a certificate: as of 26.11.2015

1. Number of people who have market authorization to trade in PPPs. Number of outlets that trade in PPPs.2. Number of people who have repackaging permits for PPPs. Number of repackaging facilities for PPPs.3. Number of people who have authorization to fumigate with PPPs. Number of fumigated sites.4. Number of registered people who perform specialized plant protection activities- fumigation, decontamination of seeds and number of sites.

High Abiding by all legislative requirements and provisions about trading in pesticides, guarantees a reduction of the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment, as a result of the sales of PPPs being made only by competent persons who have acquired knowledge about the impacts and proper use and storage of pesticides.

2.2 BFSA, PPP traders and their associations ongoing HighThe persons listed in the marketing authorization are to be

present during the sale and provide information about the use of plant protection products, the risks for human health, animals and the environment as well as safety instructions.




When a sale is made to non-professional users, information is also given on hazards, exposure, proper storage, handling, application and safe disposal in accordance with the Waste Management Act, as well as regarding low-risk alternatives.

5. Data about control activities on the market of plant protection products.6. Number of violations of the law in terms of sale of plant protection products (for example promotion and sale of plant protection products by an unauthorized person, sale of professional category of use plant protection products to persons who do not have a certificate, sale of an unauthorized plant protection product, etc.)7. Number of signals by citizens for violations of the law in terms of trade in PPPs.8. Statistical data about the PPPs released on the market.

2.3 A plant protection product from the professional category of use is to be sold only to people who have been certified to work with plant protection products from the professional category of use.

BFSA, PPP traders as of 26.11.2015 High

3. Handling and storing pesticides, and disposing of their empty packaging and pesticide remnants3.1. Establishing and maintaining of a register of authorized PPPs on

the web page of BFSA- PPP authorization, label and safety data sheet in Bulgarian.

BFSA for the establishment of the register – by the end of 2013;for maintaining

the register- ongoing

1. Data about control activity on the use of plant protection products.2. Number of violations of the law in terms of the use of plant protection products (for example for the use of unauthorized plant protection product, etc.)

High Reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of the proper handling and storage of pesticides and working with their packaging and unused quantities of treatment solution.

3.2. Regulating the requirements for farmers` PPP storage facilities by adopting the Ordinance on the Production, Trade in and Storage of Plant Protection Products, issued by the

BFSA In compliance with PPA and the Ordinance




3. Number of correspondences for cross-compliance connected with PPP use.4. Number of signals by citizens in terms of violations of the law in terms of PPP use.5. Statistical data about PPP use.

Minister of Agriculture and Food, on the basis of PPA and making the storage facilities compliant with the requirements within a certain transition period.

3.3. Development, introduction and application of a system for recovery of empty PPP packaging.

Crop protection associations, producers, repackagers, traders,farmers


3.4. Including the topic of Best Practices (BP) for Prevention of Water Contamination from Point Sources when using PPPs, in the trainings and seminars held for professional pesticide users, distributors and advisors under Item 5 of the National Action Plan.

Higher schools and institutions in the system of vocational education and training

ongoing High

4. Inspection of the pesticide application equipment in use4.1. Equipment for land-based machines for pesticide

application that are already in use is subject to obligatory inspections in terms of the safety and protection of human health and the environment.

TCI one inspection by26.11.2016;inspection every five years by

2020; inspection every three years as of

2020

Pesticide application equipment that has been inspected (as % of the overall equipment for application of pesticides)

High Using inspected pesticide application equipment guarantees the reduction of risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

4.2. As of 26.11.2016 only equipment for land-based machines for pesticide application that has successfully passed an inspection shall be used.

TCI New pesticide application

equipment is subject to

inspections within 5 years

after it has been purchased




4.3. Equipment for air application of plant protection products has to undergo a technical inspection in compliance with the requirements of Annex №10 with Article 47, Paragraph 1 of Ordinance № 24 of 2000 for certification of air operators, performing specialized aviation tasks.

DGCAA ongoing High

5. Aerial spraying5.1. Ban on aerial spraying of agricultural crops and other areas

with plant protection products.BFSA in compliance

with PPAHigh Reducing risks and

impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment as a result of prohibited aerial spraying, raising public awareness about conducted aerial spraying as well as the ban on aerial spraying with total herbicides.

5.2. Aerial spraying carried out only with approval in writing of the BFSA in exceptional cases where there are no viable alternatives to protect plants and plant products from pest or where it represents clear advantages in terms of reduced impacts on human health and the environment in comparison with the land-based application of plant protection products

BFSA in compliance with PPA

1. Number of written approvals for aerial spraying.2. Number of reasoned refusals to give approvals for aerial spraying.3. Number of violations found during aerial spraying.

High

5.3. Setting specific conditions and special requirements when aerial spraying may be allowed.

BFSA DFSD


High

5.4. Approval of the use of aircraft and relevant equipment for aerial spraying of plant protection products

MTITC DGCAA

ongoing High

5.5. Control on the compliance of equipment for air application of PPPs with the requirements of the national and EU legislation.

MTITC DGCAA

as of 2013 High

5.6. Ban on aerial spraying with total herbicides. BFSA in compliance with PPA

High

5.7. Approval of PPPs for aerial spraying on a national level. BFSA As of the entering into force of the

Ordinance of the Minister

of

High

Agriculture andFood




on the Conditions, Order and Use of Plant Protection Products

5.8. Ban or suspension of aerial spraying upon any irregularities or inconsistencies established.

BFSA DFSD

in compliancewith PPA

High

5.9. Providing information to the public in terms of the approvals given for aerial spraying such as information about the area to be sprayed, the day and hour in which it is planned to be sprayed and the type of plant protection product to be used. This information is to be published on the web page of BFSA and it is to be disseminated by DFSD through the mayor`s office, the local mass media or in another way.

BFSA DFSD mayor`s office mass media


High

6. Integrated pest management6.1. Updating of the drafted Integrated Pest Management

Guidelines.

BFSA RAC

by the end of 2014

High 1. Reducing risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment by striking a balance between environmental and economic needs in terms of the use of plant protection products.2. Production and marketing of safe, high-quality plant protection products.3. Compliance with the principles of integrated pest management supports decreasing the use of plant protection products to the necessary minimum and adopting alternative approaches or methods for plant protection.

6.2. Updating on a scientific basis the Economic Thresholds for the main crops- Economic Thresholds for the Main Pests and Diseases on Agricultural Crops of 1997, approved by the Director General of the National Service for Plant Protection and Agrochemistry.

BFSAetc.

by the end of2014

Number of crops and number of pests for which EDT has been updated

High

6.3. Introduce counseling services for integrated pest management. BFSA,advisors on IPM


Number of persons registered who provide consultancy services on IPM

High

6.4 Create and keep a public register of registered advisors who can deliver counseling services about integrated pest management.

BFSA for the establishment of the register – in compliance with

PPA;for maintaining

the register- ongoing

High




6.5. Create and keep registers of farmers involved in integrated production of plants and plant products at the DFSD for the relevant district and a national register comprising data from the district registers at the Headquarters of the BFSA.

BFSADFSD

for the setting up of the register – in compliance with

PPA;for keeping the

register- ongoing

High 4. Increase or retention of farmers` interest in integrated production of plants and plant products and shifting to organic farming.5. Prevent the development of resistanceof pests to plant protection products.6. Reducing farmers` costs on plant protection products.

6.6. Integrated production control and data collection about crops grown and the areas.

BFSADFSD

ongoing 1. Number of registered farmers dealing with integrated production of plants and plant products on the territory of the country.2. Number of violations found in terms of integrated production.

High

6.7. Organising information campaigns about the general principles of IPM.

BFSADFSDfarmers` associations

by 01.01.2014Number of information campaigns made, number of brochures and posters made, etc. in terms of IPM.

Medium

6.8. Introduction of the legal obligation for farmers to keep records of any use of a biological agent.

BFSADFSD


High

6.9. The general principles of integrated pest management are used for the protection of agricultural crops.

BFSAF

ongoing as of 01.01.2014

Number of violations found in terms of applying the general principles of integrated pest management.

High

6.10. The specific principles of integrated production, according to which plants and plant products can be produced in an integrated way, can also be used for the protection of agricultural crops.

BFSAF

ongoing Number of farmers who apply voluntarily the specific IPM principles (area covered as % of the overall cultivated area).

High




6.11. In case of protecting the crops from pests of economic importance by means of integrated pest management, at the discretion and upon the recommendation of an IPM consultant, the farmer can apply a plant protection product at a dose lower than the permitted one to reduce risks and impacts from pesticide use on human health and the environment and keep pest populations within limits below ET.

consultant on integrated production

when there is well-founded opportunity

6.12. Increase of the area for organic farming - increase of the cultivated agricultural land managed in an organic way.

MAF by 2013 under the National Plan for Development of

Organic Farming in Bulgaria for the

period 2006-2013as of 2013- under the updated

National Plan for

Development of Organic Farming in Bulgaria

1. Number of registered farmers dealing with organic farming (as % of the overall number of registered F).2. Area covered by organic farming as % of the overall cultivated land.

Medium

6.13. Identification of priority items such as active substances, crops, regions or practices requiring special attention or best practices in terms of reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.

MAF PSP

ongoing High

6.14. Identification of active substances that are of particular concern, persistent or high-risk active substances (toxic, highly toxic, bioaccumulative, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction) for which there are safer alternatives and substitution with these alternatives (the list of active substances candidates for substitution, in compliance with Article 24 of Regulation (EC) №1107/2011)

BFSA RAC

in compliance with

Regulation (EU) No 540/2011

Medium




6.15. Establishment and maintenance of a plant protection web portal. BFSA, etc. by the endof 2016

1. ET attacks by pests of economic importance - area, crops2. Declared calamity or epiphytotic outbreak- area, crops.

High

6.16. Introduction and use of forecasting mathematical models regarding the development of key pests in crops of strategic importance for the country.

BFSA PSPuniversities

gradually as of

2015

High

7. Reducing pesticide residue levels in foodstuffs of plant origin (produced in Bulgaria)7.1. Increased control of pesticide residues in plants and plant

products for consumption by taking and analyzing a larger number of samples from a larger number of crop types from the field/greenhouse

BFSA CLCTC

as of 01.01.2013 1. Number of samples taken and analyzed for pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin.2. Number of crops from which samples have been taken for analysis of levels of pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin.3. Number of analyzed samples which do not contain pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin.4. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues below the MAC in foodstuffs of plant origin.5. Number of analyzed samples with pesticide residues levels above the maximum allowable concentration (>MAC) in foodstuffs of plant origin.

High 1. Reducing pesticide residues in foodstuffs of plant origin (produced in Bulgaria)2. Increasing consumers` interest in and demand for Bulgarian plant products.3. Increasing consumers` trust- products safe for human health.




6. Number of analyzed samples containing several pollutants.7. Number of analyzed samples containing banned active substance/s.8. Number of RASFF notifications in terms of pesticide residue levels above the maximum allowable concentration which have led to withdrawals of foodstuffs of plant origin (as % of all reports/signals).

7.2. Increased control of the use of plant protection products by taking and analyzing more crop samples from the field/greenhouse to identify the used PPPs.

BFA CLCTC

01.01.2014 Number of analyzed active substances.

High

7.3. Making risk assessment in terms of foodstuffs of plant origin with pesticide residue levels above the maximum allowable concentration.

RAC ongoing Number of risk assessments made for foodstuffs with pesticide residue levels above the maximum allowable concentration (>MAC).

High

7.4. Publishing information on the web page of BFSA about the contamination of foodstuffs of plant origin with pesticides.

RAC ongoing High

8. Specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water8.1. Monitoring drinking water quality. WSS operators (for the

total volume)MH, RHI (up to 50% of the total volume)

ongoing 1. Number of samples taken and analyzed for pesticide residues in drinking and bottled water and in surface water and groundwater for drinking and domestic use.2. Number of analyzed samples of drinking

High 1. Taking measures to reduce the risks of presence of pesticide residues in drinking and bottled water is going to lead to a reduction in the risks and impacts of pesticides on human health.




and bottled water and surface water and groundwater for public drinking water supplies with pesticide levels below the MAC.3. Number of analyzed samples of drinking and bottled water and surface water and groundwater for public drinking water supplies with pesticide levels above the MAC.

2. Prevention and/or decrease of water contamination with pesticides will guarantee a reduction in the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.3. The prevention and/or decrease of the risks of presence of pesticide residues in water sources will lead to a reduction in the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.4. Protection of waters and water protection areas (WPA).

8.2. Monitoring of surface water and groundwater for public drinking water supplies.

MEW BD EEAWSS operators

ongoing

8.3. Improving collection and exchange of information about the types of PPPs used in water catchment areas (areas for abstraction) and safeguard zones of water sources for drinking and domestic water supply facilities and around mineral water sources used for therapeutic, prevention, drinking and sanitary purposes.

BFSA MH MEW BD

ongoing as of 2014

8.4. Giving priority to the measures included in River Basin Management Plans, connected with the protection of drinking and mineral water sources from pesticide contamination.

MEW BD

ongoing High

8.5. Publishing on the websites of MEW and BD information about the outlined safeguard zones of drinking water sources in the form of registers of the zones.

MEW

BDongoing High




8.6. Strengthening control on meeting the requirements of the ban and restrictions on the use of pesticides in safeguard zones.

MH RHI MEW BDlegal entities operating water sources

ongoing High

8.7. Updating the legislative base in terms of safeguard areas of water sources for drinking and domestic water supply facilities and around mineral water sources.

MEW MH

2013 High

8.8. Giving preference to plant protection products that are not classified as hazardous for the aquatic environment pursuant to the Ordinance on the Procedures and Manner of Classification, Packaging and Labeling Chemical Substances and Preparations and/or Regulation (EC) № 1272/2008 and that do not contain priority hazardous substances pursuant to the Water Act.

BFSA,MEW, crop protection industry, farmers` associations, etc.

ongoing High

8.9. Giving preference to the most efficient application techniques such as the use of low-drift pesticide application equipment especially in vertical crops such as hops and those found in orchards and vineyards.

TCI,associations of traders in agricultural equipment, farmers` associations, etc.

ongoing High

8.10. Mitigation of the risk of off-site pollution caused by spray drift, drain-flow and run-off including the establishment of: appropriately-sized buffer zones for the protection of non-target aquatic organisms- the buffer zones are determined for each plant protection product individually in the process of its evaluation and authorization and this is to be placed on the label of the product.

BFSA,F,farmers` associations, etc.

ongoing High

8.11. Decrease in or termination of the application of plant protection products on or along transport routes, railway lines,


Medium




very permeable surfaces or other infrastructure, positioned close to surface water or groundwater or on sealed surfaces with a high risk of run-off into surface water or sewage systems.

8.12. Abiding by the bans and restrictions on activities with plant protection products in water protection zones of drinking and domestic water supply facilities, mineral water sources and in safeguard areas of surface water and groundwater that are used for drinking and domestic water supply facilities.

MEW BDMH Ffarmers’ associations, etc.

ongoing Medium

8.13. Defining specific measures to protect the aquatic environment by force of an Order of the Minister of Environment and Water in coordination with the Minister of Health in terms of the specific measures to protect water, used for drinking and domestic water supply facilities from the impact of pesticides.

MEW in compliance with the Water

Act

High

8.14. Forbidding the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on protected areas, defined in the Water Act or on other areas, defined in an Order of the Minister of Environment and Water. In case there such areas are to be treated, plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be applied.

MEW BFSA


High

8.15. Providing for integrated water management which would be in the public interest and would protect public health as well as creating conditions for a reduction in the run-off of priority substances and priority hazardous substances pursuant to the Water Act.

MEW BD

deadline stipulated in

RBMP

High

8.16. Monitoring of surface water pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

BD

EEA

ongoing 1. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues in surface water below the MAC,

High




pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.2. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues in surface water above the MAC, pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

8.17. Monitoring of groundwater pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

BD EEA

ongoing 1. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues in groundwater below the MAC, pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.2. Number of analyzed samples which contain pesticide residues in groundwater above the MAC, pursuant to the Water Monitoring Order of the Minister of Environment and Water.

High

9. Additional environmental measures9.1. Monitoring on persistent organohalogen pesticides in soils

pursuant to soil monitoring schemes approved by force of an Order by the Minister of Environment and Water.

MEWEEA

ongoing 1. Number of soil samples taken and analyzed, for which it has been established to have persistent organohalogen pesticide residue levels below the MAC and which shall be subject to annual monitoring by EEA.2. Number of soil samples taken and analyzed, for which

High Available information about the presence of persistent organohalogen pesticides in soils and of some priority substances and other pollutants in the environment.Environmental protection-protection of soils and water.




it has been established to have persistent organohalogen pesticide residue levels above the MAC and which shall be subject to annual monitoring by EEA.

9.2. Monitoring of active substances included in the Ordinance on environmental quality standards in terms of priority substances and some other pollutants.

MEWEEA

ongoing

11. Information and awareness raising about the impact of pesticide use on human health and the environment11.1. Providing information to the general public on the web page of

BFSA in terms plant protection products, risks and potential acute and chronic effects for human health, non-target organisms and the environment arising from their use, and the lack of use of non-chemical alternatives.

BFSA RAC

ongoing Number of cases of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning of professional users, operators and agricultural workers

High 1. Raising the awareness of the general public, the institutions, professional and non-professional users of pesticides, operators, agricultural workers, distributors of plant protection products and advisors about the impact of the use of plant protection products on human health and the environment.2. Mitigating the risks and impact of pesticide use on human health as a result of the raised awareness of the above mentioned persons.3. Raising the awareness of institutions and users about the requirements for sale and use of plant protection products.4. Raising the awareness of institutions,

11.2. Annual reporting at BFSA of any available information related to the lack of expected efficacy, the development of resistance and to any unexpected effect on plants, plant products or the environment as well as information about observations on the impact of the product on professional users.

owners of marketing authorization and authorization to use plant protection products

ongoing Number of reported cases related to the lack of expected efficacy, the development of resistance and to any unexpected effect on plants, plant products or the environment as well as information about observations on the impact of the product on professional users.

High




distributors and farmers in terms of the risk of sale and use of unauthorized, illegal and fake plant protection products.

11.3. Gathering information on incidents of acute poisoning with plant protection products, as well as chronic poisoning developments among groups that are exposed regularly to plant protection products such as professional users, operators and agricultural workers.

MH (by 01.06.2015),N.I.Pirogov UMHATEM (as of 01.06.2015)

ongoing Number of cases of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning of professional users, operators and agricultural workers.

High Available information on incidents of acute poisoning with plant protection products, as well as chronic poisoning developments among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as professional users, operators and agricultural workers.

11.4. Gathering information on incidents of acute poisoning with plant protection products, as well as chronic poisoning developments among groups that are exposed regularly to plant protection products such as people who live near areas where plant protection products are used.

MH (by 01.06.2015),N.I.PirogovUMHATEM

(as of 01.06.2015)

ongoing Number of cases of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning of residents and bystanders in areas where pesticides are used.

High Available information on incidents of acute poisoning with plant protection products, as well as chronic poisoning developments among groups that may be exposed regularly to plant protection products such as people who live near areas where plant protection products are used.




12. Reduction of pesticide use or risks in specific areas12.1. Forbidding the use of plant protection products from the

professional category of use on areas used by the general public or by vulnerable groups as defined in Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, such as public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, school grounds and children’s playgrounds and in the close vicinity of healthcare facilities. In case such areas are to be treated plant protection products from the non-professional category, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be applied.

BFSA municipalities, mayor`s office


Number of violations found about application of plant protection products from the professional category of use to areas used by the general public, protected areas and other specific areas (pursuant to Article 12 of Directive 2009/128/EC).

High Prevention and/or mitigation of the risks related to pesticide use in public spaces and recreation grounds by means of which the protection of the general public and vulnerable groups shall be guaranteed.

12.2. Forbidding the use of plant protection products from the professional category of use on protected areas pursuant to the Water Act or on other areas defined by an Order of the Minister of Environment and Water. In case such areas are to be treated plant protection products from the non-professional category of use, low-risk plant protection products or biological agents shall be applied.

BD

BFSA


High Prevention and/or decrease of water and soil contamination with pesticides is going to guarantee a reduction in the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment.




12.3. The access of agricultural workers to areas treated with plant protection products is to be restricted for a period of time complying with the guidelines for application of the products used.


High Reduction of pesticide exposure and respectively protection of agricultural workers.

12.4. Forbidding pesticide use in certain areas, including some protected areas, as well as pastures and meadows in some of the areas of the Natura 2000 ecological network.

MEW ongoing 1. Number of violations found in terms of PPP use in protected areas and areas of the Natura 2000 ecological network where pesticide use is forbidden.2. Number of incidents of pesticide poisoning of animals, birds and other non-target organisms.

High Prevention and/ or mitigation of the impact of pesticides on the biological diversity and natural habitats, including on soil biodiversity, non-target organisms, bees, etc.

12.5. Abiding by the legal requirements for the protection of bees and bee colonies against pesticide poisoning.

MAF, BFSA, accredited laboratories to analyze the pesticide residue in bees and plant materials

ongoing Number of cases of pesticide poisoning of bees

High

12.6. Implementing additional measures to protect bees from pesticide poisoning.

MAF, BFSA, RAC,farmers` associations, crop protection industry,bee-keepers` associations

ongoing High

90

X. GLOSSARY

Active substances means substances or micro-organisms including viruses, having general or specific action against harmful organisms or on plants, parts of plants or plant products . Candidates for substitution means an active substance which meets one or more of the additional criteria laid down in point 4 of Annex II of Regulation (ЕC) No 1107/2009.

Biological agent means a biological unit able to reproduce itself which is used for control of harmful organisms.

Harmful organisms means any species, strain or biotype belonging to the animal kingdom or plant kingdom or pathogenic agent injurious to plants and/or plant products.

Temporary storage facility means a storage facility for plant protection products used by farmers only during the growing season of agricultural crops.

Aerial spraying means application of plant protection products from an aircraft (plane or helicopter)

Person commissioning aerial spraying means a person who orders/commissions application of plant protection products from an aircraft to protect plants from harmful organisms and who is obliged to notify in writing the relevant municipalities, district food safety directorates and regional forest offices before treatment with plant protection products.

Distributor means any natural or legal person, other than the person placing a product on the market, who makes a pesticide available on the market, including wholesalers, retailers, vendors and suppliers.

Good plant protection practice means a practice whereby the treatments with plant protection products applied to given plants or plant products, in conformity with the conditions of their authorised uses, are selected, dosed and timed to ensure acceptable efficacy with the minimum quantity necessary, taking due account of local conditions and of the possibilities for cultural and biological control;

Good health of agricultural crops means status when it has been established that harmful organisms are below the economically harmful threshold.

Member States means the Member States of the European Union.

Epiphytotics means an epidemic disease leading to significant losses sustained by plants over a certain period of time over the territory of an area, region or across the country.

Pollutant means a substance which is contained in the plant raw materials as a result of the activities to grow and preserve them or in the soil and the waters as a result of pollution of the environment.

Farmer means a natural or legal person growing plants and plant products in the territory of Bulgaria for the purpose of trade.

Aerial spraying operator/Air operator means a person with proved professional ability to perform specialized air activities pursuant to Ordinance 24 of 2000 and a holder or an air operator certificate for specialized air activities issued by Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration.

Economically important pest means diseases, pests and weeds, which appear annually, cause significant loss of agricultural production and impact the safety and quality of plants and plant products.

Plant protection inspectors means experts with a degree in agronomy who are employed with District Food Safety Directorates and who have the professional qualifications needed to carry out official control over plant protection products, fertilizers, soil improvers, biologically active substances and growing substrates and activities with them.

Integrated production means a system for production of plants and plant products through the application of the specific principles of integrated pest management.

Integrated pest management means careful consideration of all available plant protection methods and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of populations of harmful organisms and keep the use of plant protection products and other forms of intervention to levels that are economically and ecologically justified and reduce or minimise risks to human health and the environment. "Integrated pest management" emphasises the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms

Calamity means mass emergence of a pest leading to significant loss sustained by plants over a certain period of time over the territory of an area, region or across the country.

Quarantine pest means a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled.

Quarantine period means the minimum permissible period of time (in days) between the last application of plant protection products and the harvesting of crops (including pastures) which allows for the earliest safe use of the treated production by the users including farm animals.

Category of use means assigning a plant protection product to a certain group to limit its use to a certain category of users.

Advisor means any person who has acquired adequate knowledge and advises on pest management and the safe use of pesticides, in the context of a professional capacity or commercial service, including private self-employed and public advisory services, commercial agents, food producers and retailers where applicable.

Maximum residue levels of pesticides (MRLP) means the upper legal level of a concentration for a pesticide residue in or on food or feed set in accordance with 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.

Unauthorized use means the application of an authorized plant protection product beyond the scope of the uses specified in the authorisation for placing on the market and use of the product.

Non-chemical methods means alternative methods to chemical pesticides for plant protection and pest management based on agronomic techniques or physical, mechanical or biological pest control methods.

Pesticide application equipment means any apparatus specifically intended for the application of pesticides, including accessories that are essential for the effective operation of such equipment, such as nozzles, manometers, filters, strainers and cleaning devices for tanks.

Environment means waters (including ground and surface waters), soil, air, wild species of fauna and flora, and any interrelationship between them, and any relationship with other living organisms.

Original packaging means the packaging of the producer of plant protection products with a label and lot number on it that has been submitted and approved in the authorisation procedure regarding the type, capacity and characteristics of the material.

Residues means one or more substances present in or on plants or plant products, edible animal products, drinking water or elsewhere in the environment and resulting from the use of a plant protection product, including their metabolites, breakdown or reaction products;

Pesticide means a plant protection product.

Behaviour in the environment of the plant protection products means the impact of PPPs on the elements of the environment and the likelihood of any losses to soil, pollution of groundwater and surface water and dissemination in the air as a result of the use of PPPs.

Risk indicator means the result of a method of calculation that is used to evaluate risks of pesticides on human health and/or the environment.

Economic threshold means the average number of certain harmful organisms, agents of disease or weeds, per area whereby the losses from the harmful organisms in value terms exceed twice the costs required for chemical control.

Repackaging of plant protection products means production whereby the content of a plant protection product is transferred from one packaging to another, usually a smaller one.Plant protection products means products, in the form in which they are supplied to the user, consisting of or containing active substances, safeners or synergists, and intended for one of the following uses: (a) protecting plants or plant products against all harmful organisms or preventing the action of such organisms, unless the main purpose of these products is considered to be for reasons of hygiene rather than for the protection of plants or plant products;(b) influencing the life processes of plants, such as substances influencing their growth, other than as a nutrient;(c) preserving plant products, in so far as such substances or products are not subject to special Community provisions on preservatives;(d) destroying undesired plants or parts of plants, except algae unless the products are applied on soil or water to protect plants;(e) checking or preventing undesired growth of plants, except algae unless the products are applied on soil or water to protect plants.

Professional user means any person who uses pesticides in the course of their professional activities, including operators, technicians, employers and self-employed people, both in the farming and other sectors.

Authorised plant protection products means every plant protection product with an authorisation for placing on the market and use in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria granted by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency whose period of validity has not expired.

Authorised use means application of a plant protection product on a crop against certain type of harmful organisms at a dose and under conditions of application set out in the authorisation for placing on the market and use of the product granted by the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. All authorised uses shall be designated on the product label.

Authorisation of a plant protection product means an administrative act following an application by which the competent state authority authorises the placing on the market and use of a plant protection product in the territory of the country.

Plants means live plants or live parts of plants, including seeds whereby live parts of plants are fruit in botanical terms excluding the tubers, corms, cut flowers, twigs and leaves conserved in deep-freeze; cut trees, parts thereof and leaves; tissue cultures.

Plant products means products of plant origin (including grain) in an unprocessed state or having undergone only simple preparation but excluding plants.

Phytosanitary pharmacy means a specialized retail outlet for trade in plant protection products from the second professional or non-professional category of use in packaging of a capacity of 5 litres/kilograms or less including to end users.

Storage Facility means facility for wholesale trade and/or storage of plant protection products including a storage facility for plant protection products of farmers.

Specialized plant protection activities means application of plant protection products by aerial spraying, fumigation and decontamination of premises, plants and plant products against harmful organisms or treatment of seed for sowing intended for sale.

Trade in plant protection products means all activities involving purchase and sale, acquisition, import or export, delivery, storage and supply of plant protection products.

Counterfeit or illegal plant protection products means products that are not authorised for sale and use in the Republic of Bulgaria as plant protection products or that imitate authorised plant protection products.

Formulation of a plant protection product means the form in which the plant protection product is placed on the market.

Fumigation means a method of elimination of harmful organisms by means of gases in enclosed areas.

Repackaging facility means specialized sites where, under certain conditions, the transfer of the content of plant protection products from one packaging to another, usually of a smaller size for the purpose of trade is carried out.

Sensitive crops means crops which respond more or less when they come into contact with a plant protection product whereby the plants may die or suffer irreversible physiological changes.

XI. SUMMARY

The National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides in the Republic of Bulgaria was drafted and adopted pursuant to the implementation of Article 4 of Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides and to the Plant Protection Act.

The Action Plan stipulates the main legal requirements in the sphere of plant protection in general and plant protection products in particular - the way they are to be sold, properly used, etc. the goal of which is to protect human health and the environment.

The National Action Plan sets two main targets, namely mitigation of the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment and promoting the use of integrated pest management and alternative plant protection approaches and methods. In order for these targets to be met the Action Plan stipulates specific measures and activities, accompanied with an implementation timetable and indicators to measure their progress.

Meeting the deadlines for the implementation of the measures and actions in the Action Plan as well achieving the targets set are going to guarantee high level of protection of human health and the environment from the impacts of pesticide use.

НАЦИОНАЛЕН ПЛАН ЗА ДЕЙСТВИЕbgcpa.eu/userfiles/files/NAP_EN.docx · Web viewOver the second half of the 20th century, a trend was observed at a European level

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