In force since February 6, 2014, the Labbe law tends to limit the use of chemical phytosanitary products at all costs by restricting their marketing. Modified in 2017 then in 2019, it also applies today to individuals, hobby gardeners and more widely prohibits the use of these toxic products. Therefore, any offender is liable to penalties. Here is a summary of the main points of the regulations in force on phytosanitary products, the applicable penalties and the alternative solutions to fight against pests and infestations in the garden while respecting the environment.
Ban on the use of toxic phytosanitary products in the garden
The toxicity of synthetic phytosanitary products is widely established, whether on human health or on the diversity of living organisms or auxiliary biodiversity. These treating products used in Agriculture but also in public parks and private gardens are directly involved in the water pollution, you sunbut they also favor the pest and disease resistance.
Thus, the use of synthetic chemicals is governed by the regulations in force, the Labbé law, and its non-respect is punishable by law. The maximum penalties provided are the following :
- €150,000 fine,
- 6 months imprisonment.
The only usable are the products of plant protection ” as well as “biocontrol phytosanitary products » presenting a low risk and authorized in organic farming.
Before applying a treatment to the garden, it is imperative to read the instructions on the packaging to ensure that it is indeed a product whose use is authorized by the regulations. Of course, exemptions are provided for professionals when the biological heritage, for example, is seriously threatened by a health hazard. Consequently, certain phytosanitary products remain authorized subject to conditions and only for the purpose of carrying out a fight against certain regulated organisms.
However, these exemptions do not apply the details. These are approx. 20 millions to see themselves moreover affected by the ban on the use of phytosanitary products since 1is January 2019 and they are equally prohibited from holding any.
Beware of “homemade” products to treat the garden
In order not to use treatment products that could harm the environment, we see more and more frequently that individuals, amateur gardeners, play the sorcerer’s apprenticecoming out of their hat THE magic recipe capable of eradicating weeds and pests in the vegetable garden, the ornamental garden or even the orchard.
The less inspired can in a few seconds find on the web home solutions that are supposedly safe for the environment. the vinegar and the sel are among the ingredients that many of us use in the garden, thinking we have found the unstoppable remedy like substitute for synthetic treatments.
However, you should know that natural does not necessarily mean harmless, and treating unwanted weeds or parasites with a too acidic preparation such as one based on vinegar has extremely harmful consequences. It is the same with regard to salt, the influence of which on the vegetable world is very harmful. It is therefore important to remember the following:
- The vinegar is inefficient in the garden. Because of its lack of efficiency, we tend to repeat its application again and again, without however overcoming tough and large weeds. But the vinegar acidifies the soilwhich is not without effect on the absolutely essential microbial life.
- The salt used in the garden proves harmful for micro-organisms of all kinds and earthworms. It is as dangerous for the soil, whose structure it modifies, as for the water, and it amplifies the harmful effects of drought. He is toxic to plantswhether big or small.
So beware of certain so-called alternative recipes to synthetic phytosanitary products. Before resorting to these homemade solutions, it is absolutely crucial to always consult a gardening specialist because the undocumented use of many natural products can be the cause of ravages on the environment.
How to naturally fight pests and diseases in the garden?
Before rushing on the natural products that are kept in the back of the cupboards, it is strongly recommended to take the time to observe your garden and the life of the fauna. We deplore the invasion of many parasites that can ruin a season’s efforts. But they can be wiped out by other populations composed, this time, ofgarden helpers.
Their role is to protect plants of all kinds (amenity, vegetable plants, fruit trees, etc.). Like the ladybug, capable of devouring several hundred harmful parasites such as aphids every day, the European garden spider also traps many aphids and flying insects in its web. We tend to want to get rid of these critters not always appreciated, but it is a serious mistake because thanks to them, they are tons of toxic phytosanitary products that we can not use in the garden.
Hedgehogs, earwigs, bats, toads, frogs and earthworms are other gardeners’ friends for whom it is in our interest to offer them a place of choice by providing them with shelters…
A pesticide-free garden
The individual must be aware of his impact on nature and the men’s health. It can easily attract garden auxiliaries by growing small-fruited shrubs which birds are so fond of, honey plants appreciated by bees and other pollinators, as well as other plants such as the Hydrangea for example where the spiders like to weave. their delicate canvas, real insect pest trap… He can also install insect hotels, and leave stones or logs under which the very useful little wild animals can shelter and nest.
In addition, everyone must favor plant species and varieties related to their climate. The same plants are not grown in the South as in the North, and you also have to take into account the soil and the exposure.
So the knowledge plants but also garden auxiliaries is essential if you want cultivate in the purest respect of the environment. And this knowledge can only be acquired through observation… By paying all possible attention to nature, each of us may be able to protect your plants without chemical phytosanitary products. To do this, you must learn to identify the parasites that destroy crops and ornamental plants, but also to clearly differentiate them from animals capable of protecting them.
Gardening as cleanly as possible also involves knowing anticipate periods of risk regarding diseases. It is just as essential to act as early as possible by adopting the right gestures in the garden rather than having to overtreat when the damage is done. In this regard, one can find some collaborative works very interesting about bioaggressors. It is fashionable to draw inspiration from it to have a beautiful garden and benefit from abundant production while being respectful of the world around us. This is how we comply with the regulations in force.
Are there treatment products that are safe for the garden?
We speak more specifically of low risk products » comply with regulatory provisions, such as those that do not contain toxic substancesthose whose substances are not not persistent or products whose substances are low bioconcentration. Of course, the regulations also exclude phytosanitary products known to be endocrine disruptors. According to the texts in force, we therefore take much less risk by using products which are governed by food regulations, for example whose phytosanitary use can have some positive effects.
According to the European Union, we are talking about substance de base. The care that you bring to your garden, which includes weeding, should therefore only use very specific products. But where possible, the home gardener may not use any product at all. The case of manual weeding is the best example! The private individual is not the only one to have to find solutions that are more respectful of the environment. For example, in the event of compulsory control of regulated harmful organisms, professionals must rely on a national decree since it is the State which imposes the procedure to be followed.
If we were to establish a health check of the plant and animal world in our private gardens, we would notice that the phytosanitary products used for years have left terrible traces… The damage has an impact on production even if, of course, the financial balance sheet is less serious than in the agricultural world.
Moreover, amateur gardeners have a card to play to prevent their small plot of land from becoming a shelter for pests, as this would only contribute to the contamination of all surrounding arable landwhich concerns cultivated fields as well as green spaces or forests… This is also why the law requires the individual to declare to his town hall or to the DRAAF any suspicion of a pest. After a diagnosis, a perimeter can then be defined and approved professionals will be authorized to intervene.