Banned pesticide oxamyl found on farmers' fields in Reningelst, Belgium

The banned pesticide oxamyl has been found on the fields of several farmers in Reningelst, near Poperinge, Belgium, following an investigation prompted by high concentrations of the substance detected in the Grote Kemmelbeek river last month. The discovery has led to a multi-agency probe to determine the origin of the contamination.

Oxamyl, an insecticide, has been prohibited for agricultural use in Belgium for three years. However, recent tests in the Grote Kemmelbeek revealed concentrations up to 2,000 times higher than permitted levels. Government agencies, including the Department of Environment and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV), are now examining whether farmers knowingly applied the banned substance or if it reached their land via polluted water from the river.

Analyses of crop samples from farmers in the Grote Kemmelbeek's catchment area confirmed the presence of oxamyl. Further investigations are underway to ascertain if the farmers themselves used oxamyl-based pesticides or pumped contaminated water from the river to irrigate their crops. The FAVV has submitted a report to the West Flanders prosecutor's office for further inquiry, while the environmental inspectorate has taken surface water samples, which no longer show oxamyl concentrations.

Drinkwater company De Watergroep has assured that the contamination posed no risk to public health at any point. The FAVV is also ensuring that any potentially contaminated crops do not enter the food chain. Minister of Environment Jo Brouns urged caution against drawing premature conclusions, emphasizing the need to identify the exact cause of the pollution and implement appropriate measures to address it.