Description

A state-run, independent scientific approval body for fertilisers and pesticides has two main tasks: firstly, it checks the effectiveness of fertilisers and pesticides taking the country’s soil and climatic conditions into account, and secondly, it identifies any potential risks to health and the environment.

Controlling harmful insects and fungi in crops demands effective pesticides. The development of pesticide resistance can only be prevented if new ingredients are regularly tried out. What is needed, therefore, is an approval body staffed by environmental and agricultural experts. State approval bodies should work together intensively at the regional and international level in order to limit risks and open up the market to new fertilisers and pesticides.

Requirements

• A properly functioning country-wide administration and monitoring system with access to the relevant information and sufficient technical and human capacities for its design, implementation and monitoring
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with farmers' organisations
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Farmers need to be willing to closely cooperate with the advisory services
• Regulatory framework
• Skilled / specialised personnel to man the respective institutions / provide the respective services
• Specialised courses at local universities

Possible Negative Effects

• The duration and cost of the approval procedure can overstretch smaller-scale fertiliser and pesticides manufacturers in particular