foodwatch International’s Post

Who wants healthy food and farming ? The solution is already here 🍀🌱🌝 #BiologicalControl is a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, that works for plants, production, farmers and fields - Plus it doesn’t harm nature, thrives on biodiversity, and doesn’t pollute water 🌝 A new report shows the European Biocontrol market is now worth over 1.6 billion Euro, representing almost 10% of the European crop protection market👏🏽 And this achievement is despite EU policies that are blocking biocontrol innovation. EU policies are a bottleneck to unlocking full potential, as it takes up to ten years for a new biocontrol product to be approved and available for use in the EU. This means the EU is lagging behind other regions of the world, which have been more ambitious to green their farming, knowing that food security is guaranteed only with soil security. The results of the IBMA - International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association survey signal the pressing need for an EU-wide definition of biocontrol and a fast-track authorisation process for biocontrol products. 🤞🏽Will the EU move beyond the failure of the #SUR ( sustainable plant protection law ) and dare to unlock the potential of this nature based alternative ? 🚀Target 50% of the European crop protection market by 2030 #biocontrol To infinity and beyond The report is here: https://lnkd.in/edFc9-Jb https://lnkd.in/eTypir9k #sustainablefoodsystems #naturesecurity #foodsecurity

Although it may seem logical to assume that chemicals shown to be toxic in the lab will have similar effects in the field, we know that where chemicals end up and persist in the environment varies and that the impact on bees can differ depending on numerous social and ecological factors. Despite having among the most stringent pesticide regulatory processes in the world, our study showed that the EU is failing to protect the organisms these chemicals are not supposed to target, like bees. A possible solution is to change the way pesticides are used in agriculture altogether and lessen the demand on farmers to use them.  Some initiatives coming from the COP28, including a US$17 billion fund to develop methods of farming that are resilient to climate change and less reliant on chemicals. One of the largest initiatives, with partners including The Nature Conservancy, Google, and the Brazilian state of Para, would encourage regenerative farming practices, such as reduced tillage and lower pesticide use. #scienceandenvironment #europeanunion #pesticides #sustainableagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #bumblebee #climatechangesolutions

EU PLAN TO HALVE PESTICIDE USE WITHDRAWN IN FACE OF FARMERS OPPOSITION On 6 February 2024, in the face of strong opposition from farmers in the EU and their trade bodies such as COPA COGECA, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the abandonment of the proposed Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation, which contained the Commission’s aim to halve pesticide use. This had been an important part of the Commission’s ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy and its Green Deal. A commitment to reduce the overall risk of pesticides by half by 2030 was also agreed by parties to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, with strong support from the European Union. It is unclear how that will be delivered. Meanwhile in the UK the National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides has yet to be published, three years after the consultation closed, and it is estimated that 36 pesticides are on the market in the UK which are banned in the EU. This article considers some aspects of the evidence of pesticide impacts on human health and biodiversity, which are less well represented in the current polarised political climate around farming in Europe. Pesticide Action Network UK Wildlife and Countryside Link RSPB The Wildlife Trusts https://lnkd.in/dFp-mW5G

🌱 A broken promise! Despite clear environmental and health concerns, the herbicide glyphosate is set to linger in the EU food system for another decade. 😔🌾 We refuse to accept the "no alternatives" excuse for this toxic practice, because we know they exist. LoginEKO agronomists are showcasing on our 3,500 ha farm that sustainable agriculture is not just a dream but a reality, even on large-scale farms. 🌎🌾  We research and develop farming practices free from artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and are proving that a glyphosate-free future is not only possible but achievable.🌱🚜 https://lnkd.in/dMqZeA_E #GlyphosateBan #SustainableFarming #HealthyFoodForEveryone #LoginEKO

"Our results show that ambitious sustainability goals related to pesticide reduction—objectives of the COP 15 meeting on the Convention on Biological Diversity44 and the European Farm to Fork strategy45—would benefit bee populations and potentially the pollination services they provide46. Conversely, the current assumption of pesticide regulation—that chemicals that individually pass laboratory tests and semifield trials are considered environmentally benign—fails to safeguard bees and other pollinators that support agricultural production and wild plant pollination. Thus, future monitoring of bee populations under typical agricultural practices, accounting for landscape exposure, is a vital step towards a system of pollinator pesticidovigilance39." Simon Maechling https://lnkd.in/dXapG49R

🔬 🌱 In Bioinsectis there is an ongoing project led by Maider M. and funded by the Gobierno de Navarra that seeks to address the problems and challenges raised in previous publications. The main objective is to offer the market a product based on baculoviruses capable of controlling up to eight polyphagous species of lepidoptera that cause significant economic damage in a multitude of crops. ✅ 🐛 One of the challenges we face in this project is to design an active ingredient that has an efficacy equal to or greater than that of commercial products. Baculoviruses are generally highly effective against their homologous species, so when designing an active ingredient against several pest insect species, it is necessary to take into account the efficacy of specific products. By confronting pesticide resistance and adapting to a complex regulatory environment, bioinsecticide innovation like the one proposed by Bioinsectis is not only a technological promise but also an invitation to rethink how policies and regulations can better align with sustainability and food safety goals. https://lnkd.in/dVqDWa5D #Biopesticides #Sustainability #Biocontrol #InnovativeSolutions

Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework adopted in 2022 - TARGET 7 - Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from all sources, by 2030, to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services....... reducing the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half

The world is shifting towards sustainable agriculture. In our county, Biopesticides and bioprotection products are either not legalized or unavailable in agri-input shops. However, macrobials (beneficial insects) are reared and given to farmers by agricultural laboratories or by the private sector, but microbial like fungus, bacteria or virus based biopesticides and microbial antagonists are not available. Pakistani lawmakers need to legalize the production and sale of biopesticides in our country if it is already not legal. Private pesticide companies would need to follow up on the bioprotection products and then introduce them to the farming community in Pakistan. Broad-spectrum or narrow-range chemical pesticides impact natural enemies in crops and biodiversity negitively. Bioprotection products will minimize the use of chemical pesticides, pesticide resistance in pests, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, her European People's Party (EPP), and the European Commission are utterly destructive as they have withdrawn the intended reduction of pesticide use and risks by 50 percent. The powerful and devastating lobby of major agrochemical companies has prevailed. The crucial interests of humanity and future generations have been sacrificed to the financial interests of the industry. Ursula von der Leyen does not deserve a new term as president. Read also "How ecological farmers can feed the entire growing world population": https://lnkd.in/dTtsdDe #ecologicallyresponsibleagriculture #soilrestoration #waterquality #sustainablefoodsecurity #health #EUElections2024 #eucommission Also, read my plea on buizeradvies.nl: "All agriculture is no later than 2050 ecologically responsible agriculture such as organic farming and regenerative organic farming." #ecologischverantwoordelandbouw #bodemherstel #waterkwaliteit #duurzamevoedelzekerheid #gezondheid #formatie

Today we celebrate World Environment Day! Let's use this opportunity to discuss the issue of pesticide use in agriculture. Pesticides harm human health, wildlife, and the environment, urging a move towards sustainable food production. However, we must consider farmers, many of whom operate on thin margins. Abruptly ending pesticide use could harm productivity and raise food prices. It's not about farmers versus consumers but finding shared solutions for both people and biodiversity. Techniques like cover cropping can improve soil quality and reduce pesticide use. Regulatory reforms and scientific advancements in pest-resistant crops are also crucial. Collaboration among farmers, consumers, retailers, and governments is key to sustainable pesticide management. Learn more in the fantastic article from The Conversation: https://lnkd.in/edyg5y-7 #SustainableAgriculture #WorldEnvironmentDay