The European Commission has launched an extensive database providing an overview of currently available Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. The ‘Farmer’s Toolbox for Integrated Pest Management’ currently comprises more than 1,300 examples of good practices alongside more than 270 crop-specific guidelines.
The launch of the toolbox is seen as an essential step in boosting IPM implementation across the European Union. The European Commission reports: “The database includes about 1,300 examples of practices, techniques and technologies across eight IPM principles established at EU and international level, such as the use of crop rotation and balanced fertilisation, monitoring of harmful organisms, targeted and reduced application and, more importantly, the preference for non-chemical pest control methods.
“The database also includes 273 ‘crop-specific guidelines’ developed by Member States’ national authorities and public bodies to implement the IPM requirements under the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (SUD). This overview of practices, established following two years of work, shows that there is a great variety in the uptake and implementation options for IPM across EU countries.”
Database users can search for IPM methods by crop, implementation cost, potential economic impact or title. All the methods are presented in national languages with a short introduction in English.
“This toolbox is intended to inspire national authorities, farm advisors etc. to develop and implement IPM approaches after adapting them to local/regional farm and agro-climatic conditions,” reports the European Commission.
Alongside the toolbox, the European Commission has published a study exploring current IPM practices and their potential to reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides, alongside implementation costs and overall effectiveness. It also investigates key barriers and drivers to IPM implementation.
The European Commission reports: “It appears that pressure from civil society, an incentivising regulatory framework and a favourable economic environment all represent drivers to reduce the use of pesticides. Reducing the use of pesticides often works best when combined with other goals, such as soil conservation practices, reduction of fertiliser use and the provision of ecosystem services, such as the preservation of pollinators or the restoration of natural habitats (e.g. hedges).”
It adds: “The perceived inadequate number of viable and affordable alternatives to conventional practices remains the main barrier to reduce our dependence on pesticides. Collective purchases of equipment or contract solutions may be an option to tackle the possible ensuing costs associated with some alternative methods.”
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Last update: 24/05/2023 - ENDURE © 2009 - Contact ENDURE - Disclaimer