Continuing the efforts to support the sector in the transition to less hazardous pesticides, GCP has released a revised version of the Prohibited List and the Phase-out List of Pesticides. The changes to the list are an update to the original lists published in 2021 with the publication of the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code).
The latest changes to the lists strike a balance between setting ambitious goals in the elimination and phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides and the ability of the sector in general, and farmers in particular. to eliminate and phase out these pesticides. These changes were recommended by the Pesticides Action Group (PAG), endorsed by the Technical Committee, and approved by the GCP Board.
“The changes to the GCP Prohibited and Phase out Lists have been informed by the views of the different stakeholders in the supply chain and ensure that the lists remain relevant and fit for purpose to continue guiding the sector in the transition to less hazardous pesticides and towards collective action.” Gelkha Buitrago, GCP’s Director Programs and Corporate Partnerships.
1. Reclassification of pesticides from the Prohibited List to the Phase-out List
- Zeta-cypermethrin has been moved from the prohibited to the phase-out list, as the World Health Organization reclassified this substance as a Class II pesticide (it was previously Class 1B – Highly Hazardous).
- Abamectin, Copper (II) Hydroxide, Diquat Dibromide, Fenpyroximate, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Tebuconazole are now in the Phase-out List instead of the Prohibited List for alignment with other certification schemes.
2. Definition of two timelines for the GCP Phase-Out List
The Phase-out List classifies pesticides that should be eliminated by 2026 and 2030, looking for a balance between the ambition to transition the sector towards the use of less hazardous pesticides, the realities on the ground, and the preparedness needed for the sector to be compliant with pesticides regulations in key consuming markets as follows:
- 2030 phase out for those pesticides in wide use, or where alternatives are not available, to give producers more time to adapt and GCP and other stakeholders time to develop initiatives to identify, trial and promote alternatives,
- 2026 phase out for those pesticides that: are not in wide use AND may be affected by upcoming changes in pesticides legislations, changes in MRLs, knowledge of harms
The next review of the Coffee SR Code is planned for 2025/2026 and will include a revision of the GCP Pesticides Lists. This step – before the targeted timeline of 2026 kicks in –, will allow for a check on the feasibility of the phase out of the pesticides.
GCP launched the Pesticide Action Group as a practical opportunity for GCP Members to advance and support the coffee sector in the necessary transition to less hazardous pesticides, including identifying areas of work for collective action. It is a working group of the GCP Technical Committee, involving key local and international stakeholders in the supply chain.
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