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Pesticide Use Reduction Strategies in Europe: six success stories |
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NETHERLANDS: From Government to Grocery In 2003 the Dutch Government launched a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting the implementation of Integrated Crop Management across the agricultural sector. The project worked to develop ‘Best Practice’ protocols in Integrated Crop Management for all major crops; including field vegetables, bulbs, ornamentals, arable crops, trees, glasshouse vegetables and fruits. These standards go well beyond ‘Good Agricultural Practice’ and have the potential to reduce pesticide emissions and environmental damage. The chemical control of weeds and pests is seen as a last resort with the plant protection hierarchy. In 2005 the Dutch supermarket ‘Laurus’ endorsed the adoption of Best Practice ICM protocols by offering farmers a premium for produce grown according to the scheme. Initially selling Best Practice apples, pears, strawberries, parsley, cabbage, and lettuces, the supermarket has since expanded its operation to include other fruits and vegetables as well as glasshouse produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. |
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