Plant science industry supports new FAO Code of Conduct to further improve responsible use of crop protection products

The plant science industry announced today its support for the new Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The aim of this voluntary Code of Conduct is to increase the responsible and judicious use of crop protection products and to provide a global standard, particularly in those regions where existing controls are inadequate.

The Code underscores the increased responsibility of all stakeholders in further reducing health and environmental risks that may be associated with an inappropriate use of crop protection chemicals. The FAO, which adopted the original Code in 1985, has updated it in cooperation with the industry and international organizations, including NGOs. The industry is convinced that it can further improve the responsible use of crop protection products through the cooperation of governments, international institutions, industry and other stakeholder groups. The FAO Code addresses the need to provide training and to promote practices that ensure safe and effective use, including the promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Michael Pragnell, President of CropLife International and CEO of Syngenta, said: "The adoption of this new Code by the member companies of CropLife International demonstrates the industry's commitment to take its responsibilities seriously, reflecting its crucial role in the sustainable development of agriculture."

Christian Verschueren, Director General CropLife International, said: "Compliance with the FAO Code is a condition of membership to CropLife International. We will work closely with our member companies but also other key stakeholders involved in the distribution and use of crop protection products to ensure adherence to the new Code."

CropLife International's Guide for the Industry on the Implementation of the FAO Code of Conduct on Distribution and Use of Pesticides summarises the responsibilities advocated by the FAO and particularly their implications for the industry. The most important aspects concern the responsible life-cycle management of crop protection products: from their development, regulation, production, packaging and labelling, quality control, marketing, distribution, application, use and control to their final disposal.

To order an English copy of the Guide contact carolyn@croplife.org. Alternatively a copy can be downloaded from http://www.croplife.org/librarypublications.aspx.

CropLife International is the global federation representing the plant science industry. It supports a network of regional and national associations in 87 countries, led by companies such as BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, FMC, Monsanto, Sumitomo and Syngenta. CropLife International promotes the benefits of crop protection and biotechnology products, their importance to sustainable agriculture and food production, and their responsible use through stewardship activities.