The report to be prepared by Claude Gatignol, Deputy, and Jean-Claude Étienne, Senator, will compare the advantages and risks of pesticide use, by establishing the most exhaustive summary possible of the scientific knowledge in this domain and by comparing (as much as is indeed possible) the reality of scientific progress with the many socio-economic concerns. The increased use of pesticides over the past forty years has allowed for an increase in food resources by increasing agricultural yield. However, these well-known benefits are increasingly confronted with the risks of pesticide use, which are attracting increasing public concern. The rapporteurs will seek to distinguish between the proven and supposed risks. The proven risks are linked to water, soil, air and animal contamination via pesticide residues. However, the experts remain generally uncertain and divided regarding the supposed risks of pesticide use. While the risks linked to a high level of exposure to pesticides are recognized, those linked to a chronic or low level of exposure remain a source of great controversy. The report will also seek to take an inventory of and objectively evaluate all avenues that would allow for a reduced use of pesticides.