Farmers in Greece are using illegal, more effective but harmful pesticides, increasing health and environmental risks.

In Greece, farmers in Thessaly use illegal, more effective but banned pesticides, raising serious public health concerns. Tests have shown the presence of banned pesticides in agricultural products, and 14% of pesticides used in the EU are illegal, with even higher percentages in some areas of Greece. The Greek authorities recognize the problem and are working to promote safe agriculture, but farmers, hit by the economic crisis and climate change, feel compelled to turn to illegal solutions to survive.