Government extends pesticide applicator licence from 10 to 15 years

The Portuguese government has extended the validity of pesticide applicator licences from 10 to 15 years, reducing how often professionals must renew their training. Environmental association ZERO says this contradicts the National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products (PANUSPF 2025-2030), which calls for keeping training updated with new knowledge and practices. ZERO notes the decree itself admits technical guides promised under the previous plan were never completed, undermining claims of regulatory stability. The licence period was already extended once before, from 5 to 10 years, in 2019. ZERO is urging the government to reverse or suspend the change until it proves compatibility with the sustainability plan.