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Germany has submitted an application to the European Commission for the approval of potassium phosphonate as a plant protection product in organic viticulture. This fulfills a demand from the German Winegrowers' Association (DWV) and the Federal Association of Organic Food Industry (BÖLW). Potassium phosphonate could minimize the use of copper in organic viticulture; its use has been intensively researched and proven effective against downy mildew. In light of the climate crisis and increasingly humid weather, it is an effective alternative to conventional copper-based plant protection products. This is intended to secure the livelihoods of organic winemakers, explained Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir in a statement.
The application was submitted by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. It is supported by associations from Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
(al / Source: Press Release)