Aerial pest control authorized in Moselle vineyard by helicopter - Aerial authorisation of pesticides in vineyards of Mosel steep slopes
Helicopter Pesticide Spraying in Mosel Terraces allowed, Ruling Pending for Drones
In a decision made by the Administrative Court of Koblenz, the use of pesticides via helicopter in steep Mosel terraces is permitted this year. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) had filed an urgent application against this practice, but the court has chosen to reject it for the Mosel steep terraces.
The DUH believes that pesticides contribute to the decline of the endangered Mosel Apollo butterfly. This organization has acknowledged the court's ruling but expressed concern that a decision regarding spraying by drones is still under review. They are weighing the possibility of lodging an appeal.
Agriculture Minister Daniela Schmitt (FDP), in her statement, asserts that the discontinuation of plant protection products would halt the steep slope viticulture on the Mosel. She values the court's decision, deeming it an essential step for the preservation of steep slope viticulture on the Mosel. The ministry claims that the state has satisfied both plant protection and nature conservation requirements.
In an unrelated development, some local winemakers in the Mosel region continue to use helicopters for pesticide spraying, while others have opted for a more labor-intensive method of manually spraying each vine by hand. This trend suggests that environmental or legal pressures might be influencing a shift away from helicopter spraying towards manual methods.
While the exact legal status and future regulations regarding helicopter spraying remain unclear, the Administrative Court of Koblenz appears to be involved in rulings related to this practice, with specific details awaiting further announcements. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) likely has a role in environmental advocacy and regulatory actions concerning aerial pesticide application in steep vineyard terraces such as those in Mosel.
- The German Environmental Aid (DUH), an organization focused on environmental-science, continues to express concern about the impact of pesticides on the Mosel Apollo butterfly, a species under threat.
- In light of the court-approved use of helicopters for pesticide spraying in Mosel terraces, the science and climate-change implications are a concern for many.
- The finance and industry sectors may play a crucial role in the future of agriculture in the Mosel region, with the use of advanced technology such as drones pending regulatory decisions that could influence production methods for agricultural products.
