The total amount of active substances in pesticides placed on the market in 2024 fell by 6% to 2,139t, the lowest of the period from 2011 to 2024, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Active substances in herbicides comprised 78% of total active substances in pesticide sales in 2024.

Active substances in fungicides were 15% of total active substances in pesticide sales in 2024, while active substances in plant growth regulators accounted for 5% of the total, CSO figures show.

Pesticides refers to plant protection products that protect crops or other plants from weeds, diseases and insects that can damage them.

Active substances are the substances in pesticides that act on plant pests, weeds, or diseases in order to control them.

Risk from pesticides

The Harmonised Risk Indicator 1 (HRI1) shows the trend in potential risk from pesticides to human health and the environment. 

In 2023, the HRI1 index fell by 7% to 35, the lowest level recorded between 2011, when the series began, and 2023.

Commenting on the figures, Clare O'Hara, statistician in the CSO's environment division, said: "This release contains data on tonnes of active substances contained in pesticides placed on the market in Ireland from 2011 to 2024.

"They are primarily used in the agricultural sector to aid in the production of arable crops, fodder crops, grassland, vegetables, and fruit, but are also used in forestry, amenity areas, and private gardens."