b'THAT IS AIN JUNE 2022,the European Commission (EC) published their proposal for the regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products (SUR). Amongst other changes, the proposal foresees the prohibi-SENSITIVEtion of all plant protection products in all sensitive areas and within 10 feet of such areas. Soon after the publication of the proposal, stakeholders and Member States expressed their first reactions about the impact this proposal, if implemented, would be expected to have in agri-AREA! cultural production.The seed sector contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture and specifically to sustainable use of plant protection products in three key ways. A) New and more resistant varie-ties mean less plant protection products are necessary. B) Seed treatment allows the sector to target use of plant protection products, reducing environmental exposure. C) The seed sector Europes proposed sustainable useprovides quality assurance with the well-established European of plant protection products (SUR)Seed Treatment Scheme (ESTA). Additionally, the seed sector reinforces the implementation regulations would have major impact onof Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through the marketing of seed industry.Amalia Kafka treated seeds. IPM considers all available means that discour-age the development of populations of harmful organisms, while keeping the use of chemical plant protection products to levels that are economically and ecologically justified and minimise risks to human health and the environment. The use of treated seeds can be considered well-compatible with the principles of IPM, as very often plants in early growth stages are affected by soil-dwelling pests and diseases which cannot be observed or captured by early diagnosis. Visible symptoms indicate a stage at which no other measure can satisfy crop needs. 90/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2023'