PURE will develop field-tested practical solutions, new knowledge and a research toolbox for more sustainable approaches to crop protection.

ENDURE supported the creation of a Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) topic on IPM research at the farming systems level and will collaborate with PURE to communicate on its results.

ENDURE will also monitor the non-technical barriers identified by PURE’s work with stakeholders and will raise these issues in the appropriate forums. For example, although diversifying rotations is known to be an essential lever to create more robust cropping systems, the new crops inserted into the rotation require new know-how, incentives or markets. Similarly, resistant grape varieties exist but cannot always be used due to old legislation originally designed to protect wine quality.

The IPM solutions emerging from PURE will need to be used within an innovation process through which farmers work closely with advisers to adopt, fine-tune and adjust new practices.  Advisers naturally play a key role in this process and ENDURE is currently developing initiatives to strengthen the role of advisers in promoting IPM.

PURE involves a diversity of researchers and relevant key actors in pest management: farmers, farm advisers, policy advisers, and other stakeholders in the food supply chain. It brings together 21 partners from research, industry, extension and education covering 11 European countries. It is coordinated by INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research, France).

• Download the launch announcement:
  PURE launch announcement [pdf - 51,65 kB]
• The PURE website launches on June 1, 2011: www.pure-ipm.eu