Supporting farmers in reducing pesticide use through effective implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Research and empirical data across Europe demonstrate the potential of integrated pest management (IPM) and agroecological practices to reduce pesticide dependency, while increasing the overall resilience of farming systems and strengthening the financial sustainability of farms. Within the scope of the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (SUD), and the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Green Deal, IPM is increasingly recognised as a key strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture and protect the environment.

After the decision by the European Commission to withdraw the SUR pesticide reduction proposal, IPM remains the key management practice in place to ensure the sustainable use of pesticides. IPM has the potential to enhance the sustainability of crop production by applying long-term control strategies that combine biological, cultural, and chemical methods, leading to a reduction in the harmful effects of agrochemicals on the environment, and lower economic costs for farmers.

This seminar will address how we can improve IPM agricultural extension and management practices to reduce pesticide use through the SUD. A Round Table on the future of IPM will be held at the end of the seminar which will assess if SUD and its present IPM practices will be sufficient to reach our pesticide reduction goals.