Pesticide pollution is also driving biodiversity loss across the continent, causing significant declines in insect populations and threatening the critical role they play in food production. A German study cited in the report found a 76 percent decline in flying insects in protected zones over a period of 27 years.
The scientists helping farmers kick the chemical habit
Researchers are considering a mutual fund to compensate farmers in the event of losses linked to the reduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
US drought pushes cotton prices to ten-year high
The plant fiber reached $1.3171 per pound (about 453 grams) on the key US futures contract, the highest since July 2011.
