Designing the emerging EU pesticide policy: A literature review

A European Union (EU) wide pesticide tax scheme is among the future plans of EU policy makers. This study examines the information needs for applying an optimal pesticide policy framework at the EU level. Damage control specification studies, empirical results from pesticide demand elasticity, issues on pesticide risk valuation and uncertainty, and knowledge on the indirect effects of pesticides in relation to current pesticide policies are analysed. Knowledge gaps based on reviewing this information are identified and an illustration is provided of the direction future pesticide policies should take.

► This study presents an optimal pesticide policy framework and associated information needs.
► Information available in the empirical literature on pesticide modeling is summarized.
► Knowledge gaps based on reviewing these information are identified.