Let’s think about… plant protection – Expert dialogue on plant protection

Globally, agriculture is at the same time vulnerable to and a major driver of climate change and associated loss of biodiversity. In 2021, the UN Food Systems Summit and the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 underlined the importance of sustainable food systems and the necessity of profound transformation. In Germany, the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) provides additional impetus in early 2022. Therefore, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) convenes a series of expert dialogues on The Future of Sustainable Agriculture to discuss the building blocks of globally sustainable agriculture with experts from science, policy, civil society and private sector. The event on plant protection is the second dialogue in this series.

Plant protection is indispensable for any agricultural activity and a key issue on the way to food security. Changing climatic conditions and global trade have raised the pressure on crop health, which is likely to increase in the future. While agricultural intensification, including the use of pesticides, has allowed for growing yields over the past decades, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity have been the price to pay. At the same time, the use of pesticides has shown to cause negative health effects on farmers and farm workers as well as consumers. Through strategies such as the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, which is at the heart of the European Green Deal, the EU has embarked on a process to transform the agriculture and food sector in order to have a neutral or positive environmental impact, reverse loss of biodiversity and ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food. So, how can we ensure human health and food security within the planetary boundaries and as well contribute to the Agenda 2030 (SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 15)?

While many experts would agree that agricultural production systems need to become more sustainable and less reliant on pesticides, there has been a controversial debate on the appropriate approach. Some argue that responsible use of pesticides in an integrated pest management system is a viable way forward. Others opt for organic production and again others propose an agroecological transition, with or without the help of biotechnology. However, given the urgency and scale of the necessary transformations, we cannot afford business as usual. Different viewpoints need to be understood, priorities to be set, and pragmatic action pathways developed.

To this end, in this event we will look at current challenges and opportunities, draw inspiration from practical experience and identify priorities towards a sustainable approach to plant protection.

Find attached the Draft Agenda for the Event

Plant Protection Dialogue Agenda