SPRINT reviewed a cross-regional European programme that promotes diverse landscape approaches to reduce pesticide use and enhance biodiversity in agricultural systems. The initiative encourages practices such as hedgerow planting, buffer zones, and crop diversification to create habitats for natural pest predators and pollinators. These measures also help improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention. Collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and farmers has been central to the programme's success, with targeted subsidies and educational outreach supporting widespread adoption. Results include measurable increases in biodiversity, reduced chemical inputs, and greater resilience of farming systems to climate change. This programme serves as a model for integrating sustainability into agriculture through landscape-level interventions.

SPRINT spoke with initiatives in the Netherlands where citizen cooperatives have purchased farmland to promote sustainable farming practices free from synthetic pesticides. These cooperatives empower communities to influence agricultural practices, focusing on soil health, crop diversity, and pesticide-free production. Members of the cooperatives include local residents, farmers, and environmental advocates who collectively decide on land use strategies. By supporting sustainable farming, the cooperatives have fostered local food security, reduced environmental degradation, and created a stronger connection between communities and their food systems. The success of these cooperatives demonstrates the potential for grassroots initiatives to drive meaningful change in agricultural landscapes.

SPRINT investigated Swiss initiatives pioneering sustainable agricultural practices that significantly reduce synthetic pesticide use. Farmers have integrated crop rotation, precision agriculture, and biological pest control methods to achieve high yields while preserving natural ecosystems. These practices include the use of cover crops to enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial insects, as well as state-of-the-art technologies for precision spraying and pest monitoring. Farmers also leverage educational programmes and research partnerships to stay informed about emerging techniques. The adoption of these practices has resulted in improved biodiversity, healthier soils, and stronger consumer trust in sustainably produced products. This initiative sets a benchmark for how innovative farming approaches can balance productivity with ecological stewardship.

SPRINT explored how Danish initiatives tackled late potato blight without synthetic pesticides. Farmers have formed collaborative networks to share knowledge, adopt disease-resistant potato varieties, and implement predictive models for targeted interventions. These strategies have reduced crop losses, improved disease management, and protected the environment. Collaboration has involved joint investment in technology, on-site demonstrations, and workshops to share best practices. Government support and advisory services have further strengthened the initiative, ensuring access to resources and technical expertise. By reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides, these collective efforts have improved crop resilience, reduced environmental impacts, and demonstrated the power of cooperative approaches in achieving sustainable agricultural solutions.

SPRINT explored how an Italian university has developed a master's degree programme to address the need for sustainable farming expertise, focusing on organic production practices. The curriculum equips students with comprehensive knowledge of organic methods, including soil fertility management, biological pest control, crop diversification, and sustainable marketing strategies. Fieldwork and internships provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Graduates are well-prepared to lead the transition towards sustainable agriculture, working as farmers, advisors, policymakers, or researchers. The programme also promotes innovation, with students encouraged to experiment with new techniques and technologies that reduce pesticide dependence. Partnerships with organic farming associations and industry stakeholders ensure that the education is aligned with current challenges and opportunities in the sector. By building a workforce skilled in organic production, this initiative supports the broader transition to environmentally responsible farming and strengthens the resilience of agricultural systems.

SPRINT examined how Slovenian dairy farming initiatives have transitioned to organic systems, eliminating synthetic pesticides from feed crop cultivation. Farmers have adopted rotational grazing systems, improving pasture health and reducing the need for pest control treatments. In feed production, they rely on crop rotation, natural fertilisers, and biological pest management to maintain soil fertility and crop quality. Organic certification has provided a competitive advantage in markets, allowing farmers to charge premium prices for their products. Animal welfare has also improved, with livestock benefiting from higher-quality, pesticide-free feed and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. Farmers receive ongoing support from advisory services and research institutes, which provide guidance on meeting organic standards and optimising production practices. Educational initiatives and consumer outreach campaigns have further boosted the appeal of organic dairy products, fostering trust in their sustainability credentials. This transition highlights the economic, environmental, and social benefits of aligning dairy production with organic and sustainable principles.

SPRINT interviewed Slovenian fruit growers to understand their transition to sustainable practices that minimise pesticide use. Farmers have adopted integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, combining biological controls, such as the use of predatory insects, with advanced monitoring systems that track pest populations and disease risks. Pheromone traps have become a common tool to disrupt pest mating cycles, reducing infestations without chemicals. Organic fungicides and natural plant-based treatments are also employed to manage diseases effectively. Beyond pest control, farmers have implemented soil health improvement practices, such as mulching and organic fertilisers, which reduce the susceptibility of crops to stress and disease. Regular workshops and training programmes have helped farmers stay informed about the latest sustainable techniques and fostered a community of practice. By producing high-quality fruits with minimal chemical inputs, these growers have gained access to premium markets and eco-conscious consumers. This case demonstrates how data-driven approaches, combined with ecological methods, can enable sustainable and profitable fruit production.

SPRINT investigated the Czech Republic’s diverse landscape programme, which supports sustainable farming practices that reduce synthetic pesticide use. This programme encourages farmers to diversify crops, rotate planting schedules, and adopt agroforestry systems to enhance ecological balance. Wildflower strips, intercropping, and buffer zones are widely implemented to attract natural pest predators and improve pollination. These measures also reduce the risk of pest outbreaks by breaking pest life cycles and fostering resilient agricultural systems. Habitat restoration efforts, such as re-establishing hedgerows and wetlands, have further supported biodiversity and improved soil and water quality. The programme is underpinned by government support, including subsidies, technical guidance, and educational initiatives aimed at farmers. Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and agricultural communities has ensured that these measures are practical, scalable, and regionally appropriate. This initiative exemplifies how integrated landscape management can reduce pesticide dependency while enhancing agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

SPRINT engaged with initiatives in France to examine how collaborative actions within food value chains protect water resources by reducing synthetic pesticide use. Farmers have implemented measures such as vegetative buffer strips, contour farming, and reduced pesticide application near water bodies to prevent agricultural runoff. These practices have significantly decreased pesticide residues in local water sources, improving water quality for drinking and ecosystem health. Downstream stakeholders, including food processors, retailers, and municipal water authorities, have supported these efforts by providing financial incentives, technical assistance, and eco-labelling schemes to recognise farmers’ contributions to water conservation. Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in scaling up these interventions, combining resources and expertise to achieve shared goals. Consumer education campaigns have further raised awareness about the link between sustainable farming and clean water, fostering demand for sustainably sourced products. The initiative showcases how integrated actions across the supply chain can create environmental, social, and economic benefits while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.

SPRINT interviewed initiatives in France to explore strategies that reduce synthetic pesticide use while maintaining vineyard productivity. French viticulturists have adopted multiple innovative practices to achieve this goal. Disease-resistant grape varieties have been planted to mitigate the risk of fungal infections, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Precision spraying technologies, guided by GPS and weather data, ensure pesticides are applied only where and when necessary, minimising wastage and off-target effects. Additionally, enhanced canopy management techniques—such as pruning and leaf thinning—improve airflow and reduce humidity, thereby lowering disease pressure. Cover cropping has also been widely adopted to improve soil structure, suppress weeds, and attract beneficial insects that act as natural pest controllers. These practices have collectively enhanced biodiversity, supported ecosystem services, and significantly reduced the environmental footprint of vineyard operations. Market incentives, including certification schemes for sustainably produced wine, have further encouraged these efforts, aligning environmental stewardship with economic gains. This case demonstrates how the combination of technological innovation, agronomic expertise, and consumer-driven demand can drive sustainability in viticulture.

This study assesses pesticide residues in sediment samples from 38 water bodies across eight European countries, highlighting the impact of agricultural pesticides on aquatic ecosystems. A total of 99 pesticide residues were detected, with glyphosate, its breakdown product AMPA, and DDT derivatives being the most prevalent. The Czech Republic exhibited the highest pesticide concentrations, with up to 48 compounds in a single sample, while Slovenia had the lowest contamination. Sediment acted as sinks for both persistent and non-persistent pesticide residues, posing risks to aquatic life.

Organic matter content was found to influence pesticide accumulation, with higher organic content linked to greater residue levels. Cyprodinil and dicamba were detected at the highest concentrations, while glyphosate and AMPA showed moderate levels. Legacy compounds like DDT, despite being banned for decades, were still present in significant amounts, indicating long-term persistence.

Only one sample was free of pesticide residues, underscoring the widespread nature of contamination. The study raises concerns about the complex mixtures of pesticide residues, which pose risks to aquatic organisms, particularly amphibians and invertebrates. It emphasises the need for sustainable agricultural practices and stricter regulations to protect water bodies from further contamination.

Glyphosate is widely used in agriculture, groundskeeping, and gardening as a broad-spectrum herbicide. Despite its efficacy in controlling weeds, its environmental persistence and impacts on microbial communities are concerning. This study, conducted under the SPRINT project, highlights that glyphosate, along with its primary breakdown product AMPA, is resistant to degradation and accumulates in soils and waterways. Its effects on microbial ecosystems appear unbalanced, often favouring pathogenic microbes while harming beneficial species. This disruption extends to the gut microbiomes of animals and humans, where beneficial bacteria are more susceptible to glyphosate than pathogens, potentially leading to gut dysbiosis. Moreover, glyphosate exposure has been associated with increased vulnerability of plants and animals to pathogens, such as fungal infections in crops and increased mortality in bees. While residue levels in food products are regulated, the effects on microbiomes are not adequately considered in risk assessments. The findings call for a reassessment of acceptable glyphosate exposure levels, accounting for chronic, long-term risks to microbiomes and broader ecosystems

This study evaluates the economic and agronomic impacts of reducing pesticide reliance in French vineyards, specifically focusing on fungal disease control. Data were collected from 10 farms (5 organic, 5 conventional) growing robust grapevine varieties. Agronomic interventions included integrated pest management (IPM) practices, organic treatments, and advanced technologies such as UV-Boosting, which stimulates plant defences.

The findings indicate that switching to robust grapevine varieties reduces fungicide use by up to 75%. Organic systems relied heavily on biopesticides, while conventional farms implemented IPM strategies, including greening between rows and mechanical weeding. Emerging technologies, such as robotic tools and precision farming techniques, further contributed to reducing chemical inputs. However, barriers such as high costs of robotic equipment and scepticism regarding the efficacy of alternatives limit broader adoption.

The study highlights the potential for significant environmental and economic benefits through reduced chemical inputs, but it also identifies the need for greater financial incentives, technical assistance, and trust-building with farmers to increase the uptake of alternative pest control strategies. Read a summary factsheet by visiting our website (under resources). 

This study explores the economic and agronomic implications of reducing synthetic fungicide use in Swiss apple orchards. Data were gathered from three orchards, one IPM and two organic, focusing on fungal disease control. Agronomic interventions included robust apple varieties, low residue strategies, and foil coverage. Conventional farms used up to 22 chemical treatments, while organic farms applied 25 treatments using organic fungicides.

Robust apple varieties, already adopted by 10-15% of growers, offered reduced fungicide application and costs but were limited by resistance breakdown and market demand for popular varieties like Gala. Low residue strategies were seen as viable but faced barriers from wet weather and high fungicide costs. Foil coverage, though promising for disease control, was deemed impractical due to high investment costs, additional labour, and increased insect pressure. Organic orchards were more likely to benefit from these interventions due to their prohibition on synthetic fungicides. The study concludes that while some interventions show promise, significant financial and practical barriers limit widespread adoption.  Read a summary factsheet by visiting our website (under resources). 

This study examines the farm-level economic impacts of agronomic interventions aimed at reducing reliance on synthetic herbicides in Slovenia's silage maize production. Data from 22 farms (21 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and 1 organic) were analysed, focusing on weed control strategies. Most farms used the broad-spectrum herbicide Adengo, while others relied on Lumax, a more toxic alternative. Mechanical weeding was used in organic systems. Agronomic interventions included substituting Lumax with Adengo, wider crop rotations, and mechanical weeding.

The results indicate that switching to less toxic herbicides significantly reduces herbicide costs and environmental impact. However, mechanical weeding remains challenging due to increased labour, equipment costs, and concerns about yield loss. Additionally, extending crop rotations showed potential but is constrained by farm size and economic pressures to maintain silage maize production. Experts identified key barriers such as the high cost of organic milk production and the lack of subsidies to encourage broader adoption of these interventions. Despite these challenges, herbicide substitution and wider crop rotations offer a viable path towards more sustainable farming in Slovenia

This study, conducted as part of the EU Horizon 2020 SPRINT project, investigates the presence of pesticides and their breakdown products in rural air, with a focus on Portugal and the Netherlands. Pesticides can become airborne via spray drift, volatilisation, or wind erosion, raising concerns about their impact on human health, particularly through inhalation. The study aimed to address gaps in current risk assessments, which often exclude inhalation exposure.

Weekly air samples were collected between April 2021 and June 2022 using high-volume air samplers, capturing both particulate and gaseous pesticides. A total of 96 samples were analysed, detecting 99 pesticides and transformation products. Notably, 97% of samples contained at least one pesticide, with 95% containing pesticide mixtures. Although individual pesticide concentrations were low, with fenpropidin (10 ng/m³) and metalaxyl (4 ng/m³) among the highest detected, the risks associated with inhaling mixtures are not well understood.

The study found that 62% of the detected pesticides are linked to environmental toxicity, and 91% are associated with adverse human health effects. Despite low levels of individual compounds, the long-term impacts of inhalation, especially in children, require further research. Current risk assessments should be adapted to include inhalation exposure, particularly in rural areas where pesticide use is prevalent. The findings suggest that policy measures should focus on refining risk assessments and improving monitoring to protect public health.  Read a summary factsheet by visiting our website (under resources). 

The reliance on synthetic pesticides in agriculture poses significant risks to human and environmental health, driving the need for alternative crop protection strategies. This study provides an overview of current practices and potential alternatives across 178 farms in 11 European countries and Argentina. Data were collected on crop protection strategies and field activities across a variety of crops, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits, with a particular focus on reducing synthetic pesticide use.

The study highlights several alternative approaches, such as the adoption of resistant crop varieties, changes to crop rotations, biocontrol agents, mechanical weeding, and the use of biopesticides. However, uptake remains limited due to barriers such as high costs, limited machinery availability, and perceived ineffectiveness by farmers. For example, integrated pest management systems, which involve the use of resistant varieties and mechanical weeding, were shown to reduce fungicide use by up to 75% in certain crops.

The implications of this study for policy include the need for increased financial support and technical assistance to facilitate the transition to non-synthetic alternatives. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of precision tools, decision support systems, and expert advice to optimise pest control measures while reducing pesticide reliance. Future work will explore country-specific costs and benefits of these interventions in Slovenia, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Read a summary factsheet by visiting our website (under resources). 

The SPRINT project has investigated the occurrence of pesticide residues in the indoor dust of farmworkers across Europe and Argentina. The presence of 198 different pesticide residues were measured in 128 indoor dust samples collected in vacuum cleaners in 10 case study countries across Europe and in Argentina. Pesticide mixtures were detected in all samples, with concentrations varying significantly. The most commonly detected pesticides included Glyphosate and its degradation product APMA, alongside permethrin, cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Insecticides were the most commonly detected type of pesticide, and were significantly more prominent than herbicides and fungicides. Households of organic farms had significantly less pesticide residuces, both in terms of total and individual concentrations. In addition, some pesticides detected are no longer approved in the EU (29%). Many of these pesticides are known to pose acute or chronic hazards to human (32%) and environmental (21%) health. 
 

Research from the SPRINT project has found that pesticides are recurrent across 10 case study sites in Europe, across different farming systems. Samples were collected from various farming systems, with several matrices measured including soil, crop, outdoor air, indoor dust, surface water, and sediment, with 209 different pesticide residues measured. The findings revealed that 86% of the 625 environmental samples taken contained at least one residue above its respective detection limit. It was found that organic fields were less contaminated with pesticides than conventionally farmed fields. Most of the pesticide residues detected are classed as hazardous to non-target species. Concerningly, many of these residues were also non-approved compounds which have previously been banned for use, indicating that these pesticides are either still in use or have long half-lifes. We suggest that it is important to assess risk in a mixture context due to the occurence of multiple pesticides in many samples. This paper proposes that the development and use of a hazard-based pesticide prioritisation indicator would be useful for making policy decisions around which pesticides should be approved at the EU state level in the future. This indicator could also help to identify research priorities and assist the EU in achieving their Farm to Fork pesticide reduction targets. 
 

Reliance on synthetic pesticides in agriculture since the mid-20ths century has posed significant challenges to human and ecosystem health, prompting a need to transition towards more sustainable plant protection methods. Drawing on mixed qualitative methods, this research investigates the pesticide lock-in situation through a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and case studies across Europe. The findings reveal a complex web of barriers and lock-in mechanisms hindering the shift away from chemical pesticides. Seven dimensions are identified, including agronomy & technology, economics, knowledge & research, political, policy, regulatory, and cognitive aspects. While barriers vary across farming systems, common challenges persist. For instance, arable/cereal systems face machinery dependency due to limited herbicide alternatives, while fruit growers encounter pressure from visual standards and higher financial risks. Interactions between lock-in mechanisms further exacerbate the complexity. For example, limited access to non-chemical alternatives coupled with entrenched investments in pesticide machinery perpetuate reliance. In addition, authorities' reliance on emergency authorizations further constrains systemic change possibilities. This study underscores the need for diverse transition pathways to break pesticide lock-in. Future efforts will include collaborative exploration with stakeholders to identify opportunities for supporting the emergence and diffusion of sustainable alternatives, thus fostering a resilient and environmentally sound agri-food system.