CONCLUSIONS

Despite their considerable differences, each of the above case studies contains a common element: farmers receive independent advisory services, untainted by vested interests, in order to support informed decision-making on plant protection strategies. This role may be fulfilled by a government authority, an NGO, a retailer, or by a farmers’ association. But in none of these examples do agricultural producers receive advice from those employed by the pesticides industry.

The diversity of these six examples provides compelling evidence that multiple stakeholders within the food chain are capable of driving reform. No single gatekeeper has a monopoly on positive change: but rather many agents have the potential to take the initiative.