In 2011 Denmark fulfilled its European pioneering role in reducing the remnants of plant protection means on fruit and vegetables. This is according to the Ministry of Agriculture in Copenhagen from the latest annual report on this topic.
According to the annual report about 71% of the samples investigated in 2011 of conventionally grown fruit from outside the EU contained residues of plant of protection means. With fruit from EU-member states in about 66% of the samples plant protection means were found, whilst on Danish goods only in 39% of the samples residues were found.
On samples of conventionally grown vegetables from Denmark only in 9% of the samples residues of plant protection means were found. With vegetables from third-world countries the percentage was 35% and with vegetables from EU-countries 44%.
According to Mette Gjerskow, minister of Agriculture of Denmark, the good result of Danish fruit and vegetable growers is the result of successful organisation of politics and business regarding sustainable production methods, which are free of harmful matter. However, one should not stand still here, but in order to protect the consumer consequently dedicate oneself to the further reduction of plant protection means in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables.