The case was initiated by 35 local residents, some living just meters from the plot where lilies were planned.

The court concluded that such proximity to pesticide-intensive crops posed risks to public health, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The ban will remain effective until the end of 2028.



Health Risks and Legal Precedents Mounting
This marks the third major legal setback for lily growers within a year. The first ruling came in 2024 when a court in Roermond introduced the ban, followed by a Council of State decision in April that lily farming could harm the environment and must be regulated through permits.

In the latest judgment, the court also criticized the Dutch pesticide authority CTGB for neglecting public health considerations in its pesticide approval process.

The board admitted that it had not assessed the cumulative effects of multiple chemicals used together.

Though the pesticides involved are legal, the court emphasized that legality does not guarantee safety, especially when used near homes. Some scientific studies have linked agricultural pesticides to serious health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and developmental disorders in unborn children.



Pressure Grows on Sector and National Policies
The ruling also highlighted the Netherlands' failure to fully implement the EU.