Investigating the Hidden World of Pesticides

SCIENCE | 5 MIN READ

When investigative journalist Dirk de Bekker began working on a documentary about declining insect populations in Europe, he expected a challenging science story. What he did not expect was how quickly the subject would lead into a far more complex and contentious world.

Seven years ago, German and Dutch researchers published findings that startled scientists and policy makers alike: flying insect populations across Europe had declined by roughly 75 percent in just three decades. Insects form the backbone of many ecosystems—pollinating crops, supporting food chains, and helping maintain healthy soils. A decline on this scale raises urgent questions about the stability of the natural systems that support agriculture and biodiversity.

For De Bekker, the research became the starting point for a documentary, Wat nekt ’t insect? (“What is killing the insects?”), which he was producing for the Dutch public broadcaster NPO. As he spoke with scientists about possible causes, one explanation surfaced again and again: the widespread use of pesticides.

Globally, an estimated four billion kilograms of pesticides are applied every year. These chemicals are designed to kill crop-eating insects and other pests, and after application they often disperse through surrounding soil, water, and ecosystems. Many researchers believe their effects extend well beyond the fields where they are used.

A debate that quickly turned heated

When De Bekker tried to explore the issue with agricultural organisations, regulators and representatives of the pesticide industry, the conversation quickly became difficult. “There was complete denial,” he recalls. “The reaction was that no causal link had been established. End of discussion.”

What surprised him most was not simply the disagreement, but the intensity of it. During the production of the documentary he received angry messages and even threats aimed at discouraging him from continuing the investigation. Instead of backing away, the experience made him more curious. 

“Just mentioning pesticides seemed to trigger strong emotions,” he says. “That made me wonder what exactly makes this topic so sensitive—and what interests might be involved behind the scenes.”

Digging deeper into the pesticide system

After the documentary aired, De Bekker decided to keep digging. What began as a single project gradually expanded into a much broader investigation into the global pesticide system: how these chemicals are developed, studied, regulated and defended.

Over the course of several years he conducted more than 400 interviews, reviewed thousands of documents, and spoke with scientists, regulators, farmers, policy makers and industry representatives. The research eventually led to his first investigative book, Het Pesticidenparadijs (Pesticide Paradise), which explores the environmental and health impact of pesticides and the complex interests surrounding their use.

One conclusion emerged clearly during his research: modern agriculture has become deeply dependent on chemical pesticides. “To some extent these products help stabilise food production,” De Bekker explains. “But our reliance has grown so large—and overuse so widespread—that the system increasingly resembles an addiction.”

That dependence also creates powerful economic interests. According to De Bekker, conflicts of interest can appear in multiple places, from regulatory institutions to academic research funded by industry partners. In such an environment, separating scientific evidence from economic or political influence can become increasingly difficult.

Our reliance on pesticides has grown so large—and overuse so widespread—that the system increasingly resembles an addiction.

Why independent journalism matters

Investigating complex and controversial topics requires persistence, particularly when debates become polarised.

Lobby organisations connected to the agrochemical industry, De Bekker says, are often skilled at using uncertainty and selective interpretations of scientific findings to shape public debate. “As a journalist, that’s exactly when it becomes important to dig deeper,” he says. “Otherwise the most important facts remain hidden.”

Working on pesticides and other complex topics over the years, De Bekker also began reflecting more broadly on the role of journalism itself.

"Independent journalism is currently under pressure from many sides," he says. Across Europe and beyond, public broadcasters face shrinking budgets, and in some countries journalists are confronted with increasing political pressure and restrictions on their work. "Political leaders publicly attacking journalists to gain credibility with their base or referring to reporters as 'scum' and 'enemy of the people' further contributes to public distrust in journalism."

At the same time, rapidly developing artificial intelligence is reshaping how information is produced and consumed. "Our collective ability, as a society, to distinguish facts from fiction is under threat by these developments," says De Bekker. It is in journalism that De Bekker sees an important antidote. "Society needs strong independent journalism to safeguard transparency and accountability. Without these, our freedoms disappear faster than we might think.”

For De Bekker, the investigation that began with disappearing insects ultimately became something larger than a single environmental story. It became an exploration of how science, politics and economic interests intersect—and of the role journalism plays in bringing those connections into the open.

Sometimes, he says, the most important investigations begin with a simple realisation: that something in the public conversation does not quite add up.