Bold claim: Dutch flower growers are systematically flouting pesticide rules, including the use of banned substances. And this is where the story gets more troubling than you might expect.
Dutch greenhouse flower producers have been found misusing pesticides on a large scale, with several banned chemicals detected. Authorities report that 61 percent of growers are not adhering to pesticide regulations, a sharp decline from 2019 when 60 percent complied.
Over the last two years, inspectors from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) visited 71 companies cultivating chrysanthemums, freesias, hydrangeas, and roses. They uncovered violations at 43 firms, including seven instances of prohibited pesticide use.
The NVWA issued 20 warnings and 41 findings that can lead to fines or other actions. Violations included 32 cases of improper use (such as excessive dosages, too frequent applications, or incorrect timing), seven cases of using substances not approved for cultivation, 13 cases of poor record-keeping, one case of a substance not approved in the EU, and five cases of unapproved spraying equipment.
Among the banned substances detected were azinphos-ethyl, chlorpyrifos, spirodiclofen, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and metoxuron. The NVWA warned that mishandling pesticides can pose risks to people, animals, and the environment.
Tests on imported roses and other cut flowers sold in the Netherlands revealed pesticide residues that could threaten health professionals such as florists, auction workers, and importers—even when protective clothing is used. The Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) explained that exposure to pesticides can cause a range of health effects depending on the chemical, level of exposure, and duration, including skin allergies, immune or nervous system impacts, and certain cancers.
Imported flowers’ pesticides might also harm soil organisms and pollinators if plant waste enters compost or green-waste streams. While consumer exposure is lower, it is not risk-free, according to RIVM.
For domestically grown greenhouse flowers, the NVWA said the risks from overuse of approved pesticides are still unclear and require further research.
The findings have stirred frustration in Dutch Parliament. Party for the Animals MP Leonie Kostić stated the sector “harms our health and the environment.” GroenLinks-PvdA MP Paul Bromet called the results “shocking,” while CDA MP Pieter Zwinkels labeled them “unacceptable.” D66 MP Anne-Marijke Podt described the decline in compliance as “incomprehensible.”
Agriculture Minister Piet Adema acknowledged the inspections’ troubling results and said the sector must take more responsibility. Sector body Glastuinbouw Nederland expressed regret but noted that label instructions for pesticide use often don’t reflect practical realities. The organization added that it distances itself from growers who knowingly use unauthorized pesticides.
Lawmakers pointed to insufficient enforcement to spur improvements in compliance. Debates focus on whether detection chances are too low and whether fines are adequate. The NVWA indicated it is considering harsher penalties for repeat offenders and exploring greater public disclosure of inspection results. About 25 inspectors monitor pesticide use within the sector.
Anne-Marijke Podt summed up the sentiment: “We clearly need to do more to safeguard the health and safety of growers, florists, and consumers.”
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