Advances in crop protection have greatly contributed to high yields and consistency in agricultural production, but new concerns about human health and the environment and increased consumer awareness about pesticide use call for the development of low input farming systems that are less reliant on pesticides.

In Europe, tougher regulations on the registration of plant protection products and the protection of water resources are coming into force and a thematic strategy is being developed to fill the legislative gap regarding the use-phase of pesticides: a directive establishing a framework for Community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides has been produced.

Supporting these changes requires that diversified crop protection strategies based on new technologies, new approaches and a broader range of tactics are offered to and developed with well qualified growers and advisers. Stakeholders, especially policy-makers, need independent science-based advice to help them implement the new regulations.