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ECPA’s recent dialogue video highlights Integrated Pest Management

BRUSSELS 17 January 2019 – Following the adoption of political recommendations by the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the EU authorisation procedure for pesticides (PEST Committee), and in advance of the vote next week on a report on the implementation of the Sustainable Use Directive, the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) announces the release of a 4-minute video that highlights a key aspect of securing a supply of safe, affordable and nutritious food in Europe: Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an approach that uses a variety of methods and techniques to control pests that cause harm to crops. The PEST Committee includes IPM strategies in the Final Report on the EU authorisation procedure for pesticides, noting the different scenarios under which IPM can be used, and details about required training. The ECPA video features Christophe Jolly, a Belgian farmer who grows both organically and conventionally, speaking with crop scientist and advisor Christian Walravens. Jolly explains that with IPM, pesticides are applied on a case-by-case basis. The key is the safe use of any pesticide, and ensuring that farmers are fully-trained to handle them. The video is part of an ECPA campaign to engage with the issues surrounding crop production, inviting consumers to consider a future with or without pesticides. Even with the use of safe pesticides, up to 40% of crops are destroyed by plant pests and diseases globally according to the EU. This figure could increase to 80% without their use. View the video. Read more about IPM. Join the #WithorWithout debate.