A number of public interest, health and environment groups are raising concerns about the potential fallout from excessive use of pesticides.

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Building on a growing movement demanding pesticide-free towns and cities in France, and the high-profile debate on the effects of certain agricultural chemicals on bee and pollinator health, the citizens of a town in the Italian Alps voted to ban pesticides from their territory earlier this month.

On 5th September, residents of Mals, in South Tyrol voted to ban the use of pesticides in public and private areas. 75 percent of voters backed the proposals in a referendum held in light of a petition handed to local officials. 

Residents cited concerns over the potential health effects of pesticide use in and around the town, including on local orchards near to the school, as well as the potential for harm to the local environment. Local organic farmers also complained that spray drift had affected their crops. Since the vote earlier in the month, neighbouring villages have reportedly raised the possibility of holding their own referendums.

Koen Hertoge, a member of Pesticide Action Network Italia, who backed the referendum, said "We are very happy with the result of the Mals referendum, and we are very pleased to further support the people of Mals with the implementation of the ban. All political decision-makers should recognise this sign, and start re-considering the regional as well as the European agricultural policies. The outcome of the vote will be positive for our health, our tourism and also for employment as organic agriculture provides more jobs."

Mals mayor Uli Veith also commented on the referendum, "As an elected mayor, I welcome the result of the referendum, and I will do everything within my power to implement the decision of the people. All (political) decision makers should recognize this unique opportunity and work together to create a concept for the future.  Peripheral areas, such as Mals, should use 'pesticide-free community' as an opportunity to support the development of tourism and organic agriculture, but also improve the health of the people".

In 2013, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan became the first country to ban sales of pesticides and herbicides, announcing that it aims to become completely organic within ten years. Bhutan's environment minister said the decision was taken to avoid environmental impacts associated with diffuse pollution in the mountainous state, but also in light of the Buddhist beliefs of the majority of the small country's inhabitants.