Način upotrebe poljoprivrednog zemljišta i zdravlje ljudi u Republici Srbiji i Evropskoj uniji
Manners of Using Agricultural Land and Human Health in Serbia and EU

Author(s): Sofija Nikolić Popadić
Subject(s): Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Studies, International Law
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: agricultural land; artificial fertilizers; pesticides; European Union directives; human health
Summary/Abstract: The use of agricultural land can have a significant impact on human health. Different types of agricultural production can contribute to reducing or increasing the occurrence of potentially harmful consequences. Modern, conventional agriculture facilitated the production of larger amounts of food for the growing world population, but it also brought many challenges. In the pursuit of greater productivity, farmers use different types of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, which have the effect of increasing yields, but at the same time they can cause many negative consequences, especially if the appropriate regulations and agrotechnical measures are not respected. The research includes analysis of the legal regulations of the European Union and Republic of Serbia in this field. Particular focus is on the compliance of Serbian regulations with the EU directives that aim to reduce the negative impact of fertilizer and pesticide use on human health and the environment. According to the current regulations, one of the basic preventive measures is to limit the quantity and control their use. At the same time, this measure constitutes a restriction on property rights in public interest and a form of social care for public health, which consists of providing conditions for the supply of safe food (Law on Public Health, Art. 13). Numerous studies have shown a connection between the harmful effects of pesticides and the occurrence of various diseases, as well as the high risk of poisoning, especially among those participating in their use, as well as among consumers of agricultural products. Groundwater pollution due to inadequate and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can also adversely affect human health. The paper highlights difficulties that exist in this area, as well as the need to implement changes that should contribute to the reduction of use of fertilizers and pesticides and their harmful effects.

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