News report | 03-02-2026 | 14:00
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority conducted 71 inspections in 2024 and 2025 in the cultivation of cut flowers under glass in the Netherlands. These showed that compliance with the use of plant protection products by growers has not improved. Only 39% of the inspected growers complied with the plant protection laws and regulations. This is a significant decrease compared to 2019, when compliance was 60%. The NVWA finds these figures concerning.
The NVWA conducted inspections in the cultivation of chrysanthemum, freesia, hydrangea, and rose. The 71 Dutch companies were randomly selected. The NVWA found violations at 43 of the 71 companies. These lead to fines or warnings in the case of less serious violations. Most growers erred by incorrectly using authorized products, for example by overdosing, applying too often, or using them at the wrong time. At 7 growers, the use of unauthorized products was found.
Risks for humans, animals, and the environment
Incorrect use of plant protection products and the use of unauthorized products can pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The recently published report by the Risk Assessment & Research office (BuRO) of the NVWA on imported roses and cut flowers from countries outside the EU confirms this. The report concludes that the detection of unauthorized residues can pose a risk to people who professionally work with these roses, and possible environmental risks when roses enter the environment via green waste or compost. The risks of overdosing or too frequent use of authorized products are currently unclear. Further research is therefore needed.
Follow-up approach
To increase compliance, the NVWA is pursuing multiple tracks. Since 2021, two pilots have been running in ornamental horticulture to increase compliance. The first pilot imposes heavier sanctions on companies that repeatedly commit violations. The second pilot stimulating supervision encourages growers in gerbera cultivation to work based on integrated pest management. Both pilots are not part of the compliance measurement in 2024-2025.
Additionally, the NVWA is exploring possibilities to more strictly enforce the rules within ornamental horticulture. For example, expanding the publication of inspection results and more cooperation with other supervisors. The NVWA also continues to advocate for adjustments to the sanction instruments. For growers who comply well, the NVWA is investigating a more targeted chain approach.
In discussion
The NVWA is in discussion about the inspection results and approach with sector representatives, the Board for the authorization of plant protection products and biocides (Ctgb), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), and other supervisors such as water boards and environmental agencies.
Inspection results
More information
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