The sum of spread equivalents: a pesticide risk index used in environmental policy in Flanders, Belgium

Abstract In the framework of a pesticide reduction programme in Flanders, Belgium, an environmental policy plan was adopted in 1995 stipulating a 50% reduction of pesticide use expressed as spread equivalents (∑Seq) in 2005 compared with 1990. The sum of spread equivalents is a single-impact risk indicator. It does not describe an absolute risk but provides a risk trend over the years. The evaluation of pesticide use is reported annually in the Report on the Environment and Nature (MIRA) within the Driving Forces, Pressure, State, Impact and Response analysis framework. A total reduction of 47% of the total ∑Seq was accomplished in 2002. Following the withdrawal of hazardous pesticides within the Council Directive 91/414/EEC a further reduction can be expected in the near future. A comparison was made with four other pesticide risk indices. It can be concluded that the results of all five indices are quite similar and that the use of the ∑Seq index as a policy tool in Flanders can be justified.