Making a change

About EuropEAn Crop protECtion

We are the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA). Working on behalf of the crop protection industry in Europe we are committed to dialogue with all those who care about the environment and human safety in European agriculture.

ECPA network members uphold high standards for human safety and environmental care in European agriculture, based on sustainable, productive, value-added, innovative and scientific farming methods.

As a key stakeholder in sustainable productive agriculture we focus on the contribution the crop protection industry makes to water resources, food supply, biodiversity and natural habitats, and the health and safety of farmers and the public.

Building relationships with stakeholders is a top priority, this includes members of the agricultural supply chain including growers and farmers, also, EU authorities, NGOs, academics, manufacturers, retailers and consumers is a top priority.

Over the coming years we will continue work with stakeholders on projects covering the four thematic streams of water, health, food and biodiversity. We will measure the success of projects with key performance indicators and strive for a measurable impact on key issues of public concern. We want to be a trusted partner in society, demonstrating the delivery of essential benefits, and for addressing public and scientific concerns.

Declaration of principles

our vision:The European Crop Protection network upholds high standards for human safety and environmental care in European agriculture, based on sustainable, productive, value-added, innovative and scientific farming methods.

our values We embrace:• Openness – We promote and value

dialogue with all stakeholders;• Proactivity – We take the initiative on

issues of concern to Society;• Cooperation – We work with

stakeholders as partners;• Responsibility – We take responsibility

for the safe and sustainable use of our industry’s products through farmer education and training;

• Transparency – We are open and transparent about our aims and policies.

our prioritiesWe are committed to:• protecting and conserving water

resources by introducing innovative crop protection solutions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices;

• contributing significantly to a healthy, high quality, affordable food supply for all by maintaining plant health, increasing plant productivity and improving farm practices;

• enhancing biodiversity and natural habitats within farming landscapes, by using our expertise in plant protection and agricultural practices to promote local harmony between nature and agriculture;

• safe-guarding the health of farmers and the public by introducing innovative technologies and promoting best safe-use practices;

• earning public trust in our industry and in the regulatory process, by increasing transparency and setting industry standards that align to current scientific norms to address societal concerns;

• earning trust in the vital contribution of plant protection for the sustainable production of safe, high-quality and affordable agricultural products, through proactively engaging in open dialogue with European farmers, society and policy-makers, whilst being transparent, credible and accountable.

Making a Change 1

Food

Crop protection products play an essential role in productive agriculture by supporting the cultivation of an abundant supply of safe food.

ECpA is committed to contributing to a healthy, high quality, affordable food supply for all by maintaining plant health, increasing plant productivity and improving farm practices.

open and transparent dialogue as well as the exchange of information

between the crop protection industry and stakeholders ensures that consumers’ concerns are suitably addressed.

ECpA is addressing food safety challenges through the development of tangible measures that actively engage European stakeholders; ECpA will demonstrate the contribution that pesticides make to food safety and a plentiful supply of healthy and affordable food.

rEsiduEs MAnAgEMEntThis project aims to contribute to the minimization of pesticide residues by implementing concrete tangible measures and actions to prevent MRL exceedances.

Q3 2012 Revised analysis of causes of MRL exceedances

Q4 2012 - Q1 2013 Initiate pilot projects in two countries

AntiCountErfEitThe project aims to combat and minimise the occurrence of counterfeit and illegal pesticides appearing in Europe.

Q3-Q4 2012 Extension of anti-counterfeit project to new countries

Q4 2012 Launch of renewed anti-counterfeit campaign website www.illegalpesticides.eu

Q1-Q4 2012 Initiation of awareness raising campaigns across Europe

Q4 2014 Full crop protection industry integration of anti-counterfeit activities

Minor usEsThe project aims to work with stakeholders to provide more minor uses solutions for farmers.

Q4 2012 Publication of joint Agri-Food Chain Position on EC Minor Use report

Q1 2013 Development of measures and actions to support minor use availability – in collaboration with Agri-Food Chain partners

2 Making a Change

Minor usesFruits, vegetables and other so-called ‘minor crops’ face a considerable range of pest problems; adequate pesticide solutions are not currently available for their protection. Minor uses and specialty crops represent approximately 20% of the total value of the EU agricultural production and perhaps more importantly, contribute to a healthy, variety-full and nutrient diverse diet.

ECPA and key stakeholders are working towards an EU Minor Uses Coordination Programme that will provide additional minor uses solutions for farmers. Improving the availability of minor use solutions supports productivity and the availability of a diverse range of foods on EU shelves.

residue managementThe crop protection industry takes consumer concern about pesticide residues very seriously. The industry is committed to explain the nature of pesticide residues whilst striving to manage their occurrence.

The Residue Management project aims to build consumer trust in food safety. In collaboration with stakeholders, the crop protection industry will implement concrete measures to contribute to minimisation of residues.

trustis A vitAl

ingrEdiEnt

spECiAlty Crops ArE not A

Minor issuE

AwArEnEssis thE first stEpto CoMbAting

illEgAl pEstiCidEs

Anti-counterfeitIncreasing quantities of counterfeit and illegal pesticides are being produced, marketed and sold in to the EU market. Counterfeit pesticide products are untested and therefore unauthorised. These illegal products puts human health, the environment and farmer’s livelihood at significant risk.

ECPA is expanding anti-counterfeit initiatives in all EU countries and continues its positive efforts in raising awareness with stakeholders and authorities at EU and national level.

Water

protecting crops from pests and disease supports agricultural productivity and enables a more efficient use of natural resources. the crop protection industry provides solutions for agriculture that in combination with best management practices support the sustainable use of water.

the crop protection industry is committed to protecting and conserving water through the introduction of innovative crop protection solutions,

and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. ECpA is establishing effective alliances with stakeholders that aim at improving water quality, water use efficiency, and the dissemination of expertise to help secure a sustainable and affordable food supply.

with a set of projects that focus on water issues, ECpA will help ensure that public needs for water quality and quantity are met.

topps prowAdisAim of the project is to extend the TOPPS Best Management Practices to EU countries.

Q3 2013 TOPPS principles extended to 2 new countries

Q3 –Q4 2013 National level adaptation of BMPs

Q3 –Q4 2013 National stakeholder outreach workshops and demonstrations of TOPPS principles

Q1 2014 Extension of TOPPS project to 3 additional countries

sustAinAblE wAtEr MAnAgEMEntThe aim of this project is to assess the sustainability of water management practices at plant protection production sites in Europe.

Q1 2013 Implementation of identified CPP production sites

Q2 2013 Finalisation of all pilot projects

Q2 2013 Project extension plan finalised

ripAriAn vEgEtAtivE buffEr strips (rvbs)The aim is to significantly reduce diffuse pollution from run-off through a voluntary recommendation to introduce Vegetative Buffer Strips along water boundaries and/or carry out local run-off risk diagnoses.

Q4 2012 Present and agree concept proposal for the voluntary recommendation

Q1 2013 Start to develop tools, procedures and mechanisms for subsequent roll-out in pilot areas

AnAlytiCsThe objective of the project is to achieve a high level of transparency and quality in the field of ground and surface water monitoring.

Q4 2012 Project team established

Q4 2012 Contact point and process for handling database of requests and feedback established

Making a Change 5

European water stewardship standardThis project encompasses the evaluation of sustainable water-management at manufacturing sites and gives the opportunity to save water at local level while certification enhances transparency and credibility.

Crop protection industry wants to prove to society that we are good water stewards at their production sites, using water efficiently and preventing any harmful pollution of water bodies. Applying the EWS standard, crop protection industry is the frontrunner of European industry for water stewardship and supports the ambitious goals set by the EU Water Framework Directive.

topps-prowadisA training and demonstration project aimed at vulnerable agricultural landscapes. It extends the long running and successful TOPPS project (focusing on point source pollution) to include diagnosis tools for reduction of spray drift and run-off and the Environmentally Optimised Sprayer (EOS) tool to help farmers when choosing new spray machinery. Keeping pesticides on the target crop is important for reducing contamination potential.

Adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and simple risk mitigation measures can prevent up to 80% of water contamination.

stAying on tArgEt

going bEyond

lEgAl CoMpliAnCE

vegetative buffer strips promotionVegetative buffer strips can preserve water quality through reducing pesticide run-off by 50-75%. Promoting vegetative buffer strips supports upcoming ECPA biodiversity initiatives and publicly demonstrates the crop protection industry’s commitment to clean water.

AnalyticsThe limited availability of analytical standards (in particular for metabolites) is a severe hurdle for water monitoring programs. The key objective of this project is to improve the level of transparency and quality of such programs.

Providing commercially unavailable analytical standards for water analysis to accredited and certified labs will ensure proper identification and management of contamination.

trAnspArEnCy for wAtEr quAlity

rEduCingrun-off,

inCrEAsing wAtEr

quAlity

Biodiversity

Agriculture and biodiversity must coexist. the crop protection industry develops products and best management practices which support agricultural productivity and sustainable practices.

ECpA is committed to enhancing biodiversity and natural habitats within farming landscapes, using industry expertise in plant protection and agricultural practices to promote local harmony between nature and agriculture.

ECpA will run interconnected projects, focused on delivering and demonstrating the crop protection industry’s commitment to biodiversity. these projects seek greater cooperation with stakeholders and will be implemented in an inclusive and transparent manner, adopting peer reviewing methodology. ECpA will demonstrate the benefits of crop protection products and offer best management practices for enhancing biodiversity.

MultifunCtionAl fiEld-MArginsThe objectives of this project is to identify and develop approaches that help the farmer succeed in contributing to an increased biodiversity at the farm level through the implementation of multifunctional field margins.

Q1 2013 Draft literature review to guide best practices selection

Q2 2013 Period of stakeholder outreach and consultation

Q2 2013 Alignment and first integration with BMPs project

Q3 2013 Publication of multi-functional fieldmargin catalogue

Q3 2013 Contribution of work to leading forums for environmental risk management

dEMonstrAtion fArM nEtworkThe project aims at connecting industry operated demonstration farms across Europe and to build a network that can serve as the base for showcasing, training and studies in the area of best practices for biodiversity and water.

Q1 2013 Identification of existing and potential demo farms that can showcase the results of BMPs

Q2-Q3 2013 Farm visits for decision makers and stakeholders

bEst MAnAgEMEnt prACtiCEs (bMps)The aim of the project is identify and demonstrate the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for biodiversity enhancement.

Q2 2012 Agreement on BMP selection and project delivery methodology

Q3 2012 Submission of LIFE+ proposal

Q4 2012 Stakeholder consultation workshops for refinement of BMPs

Q4 2012 Contribution to dinner debate on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity (Brussels)

Q3 2013 Stakeholder consultation on project roll-out (post LIFE+ decision)

8 Making a Change

best management pratices (bMps)ECPA will collate a peer reviewed set of best management practices, each selected for their ease of implementation and effectiveness. BMPs will be rolled-out across Europe with guidance for farmers and training for crop protection company Sales and Marketing staff.

This project will underline the essential role played by crop protection products, as part of sustainable productive agricultural practices.

demonstration farmsThis project will see the creation of a European network of farms or sites to demonstrate and showcase Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the benefits of crop protection products for enhancing biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

The network will be a unique platform to witness the coexistence of biodiversity and conventional agriculture on the European and national level. It would become a forum for demonstrating Best Management Practices and fostering stakeholder dialogue.

EnhAnCing

biodivErsity And produCtivityin ConvEntionAl AgriCulturE

dEvElop biodivErsity indiCAtorsThe project aim is to define a set of measurable indicators which reflect the contribution of Crop Protection products to maintain or increase biodiversity.

Q2 2012 1st draft literature review on indicators for biodiversity

Q3 2012 Delivery of 1st draft proposal for indicator selection

Q4 2012 Discussion of proposed indicators during stakeholder workshop

Q2 2013 Publication of a brochure offering info and guidance for use of indicators and methodology

Q3 2013 Consultation on project roll-out (post LIFE+ decision) and alignment with BMPs project.

indicatorsThis project will develop peer reviewed guidance on indicators for farmland biodiversity; indicators being selected based upon their ease of use for measurement and monitoring on the farm, and their suitability for informing on the relative state of farmland biodiversity.

This project will aid measurement and monitoring of the impact of BMPs, and demonstration of the contribution of crop protection products to sustainable agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity whilst supporting productivity.

Multi-functional fieldmarginsA flagship BMP project that offers scope for showcasing several existing crop protection industry initiatives, not least for demonstrating industry commitment and involvement in pollinator and wider biodiversity issues.

Multifunctional field-margins represent an optimised solution for enhancing farmland biodiversity and contribute to the management of potential risk associated with the use of crop protection products. Field-margins can facilitate agricultural productivity through their support of ecosystem services.

vErifyingbiodivErsity

EnhAnCEMEnt

biodivErsity At work

thE Multi-funCtionAl bEnEfits of

fiEldMArgins

the crop protection industry equips farmers with tools to protect their crops from pests and diseases; when used correctly, pesticides are a safe solution for agricultural productivity. the industry is committed to safeguarding the health of farmers and the public by introducing innovative technologies and promoting best safe-use practices.

ECpA will operate in an open, transparent and proactive way on best

practices for health which aim to further ensure the responsible, safe and sustainable use of pesticides.

through the delivery of health focused projects, ECpA aims to further demonstrate the crop protection industry’s commitment to safeguarding the health of farmers, through stewardship, by promoting and enhancing the safe and sustainable use of pesticides.

sAfE And sustAinAblE usE of pEstiCidEsThese initiatives provide expertise on best use practices and enhancement of safe and sustainable use of pesticides.

Q3 2012 Safe and Sustainable Use of Pesticides initiative already delivered in 12 countries

Q1 2013 Initiation of projects in Latvia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Serbia and Croatia

Q2 2013 Multi-stakeholder conference on the Safe and Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Slovakia)

ContAinEr MAnAgEMEnt (CM)This project aims at ensuring the stewardship of industry’s products by maximizing the collection of empty, rinsed pesticide containers and ensuring that they are managed and disposed of responsibly and safely.

Q1 2013 Initiation of CM in 3 countries

Q1-Q4 Roll-out of the CM program in 3 new countries

Q1 2014 Initiation of CM in Slovakia, Italy, Serbia, Lithuania, Ukraine

2020 CM established in all European countries

EpidEMiologyThe establishment of ECPA Scientific Advisory Board will explore the role of epidemiology in the regulatory process for pesticides and will evaluate possible studies to conduct.

Q1 2013 Inauguration of the Science Advisory Board on epidemiology

Q1 2013-Q4 2014 Provision of recommendations from the science advisory board to ECPA management

Health

Making a Change 11

Container managementEnsuring the responsible management of containers is part of industry’s commitment to product stewardship. The development of suitable containers, user training, and proper collection, disposal and recycling are all elements of a good container management programme.

Through the Container Management project, ECPA is encouraging the uptake of suitable container management across Europe; supporting the uptake of best practices in the collection, disposal and recycling of appropriately rinsed pesticide containers.

safe and sustainable use initiativesProjects designed to enhance the responsible, safe and sustainable use of pesticides in Europe; correct practices allow an effective management of risks when pesticides are used. ECPA is establishing stakeholder partnerships to raise awareness and provide valuable training and advice to pesticide users, distributors and advisers.

Correct use and handling of pesticide products ensures the safety of farmers, the environment and the public.

profEssionAl And rEsponsiblE prACtiCEsArE vitAl for sustAinAblE AgriCulturE.

wEll pACkAgEdstEwArdship

EpidemiologyEpidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in defined populations; epidemiological studies are used to inform policy decisions related to health, and evidence-based medicine. ECPA is creating an independent advisory board on epidemiology in order to provide scientific advice on the use of epidemiology in better understanding the potential long term impacts of pesticides on health.

Epidemiology is a potential tool for evaluating whether long term pesticide exposure has an impact on the health of farmers. We will proactively engage in open dialogue and cooperation with key international experts to seek advice on how epidemiology could be used in the area of farmer’s health.

bEttEr EvidEnCE for dECisions

on huMAn

hEAlth risks.

Making a Change 13

lEAdingby ExAMplE

The objective of marketing and sales staff to be trained is to ensure a general uniform awareness, understanding and knowledge on the industry sustainability initiatives.

Q4 2012 Pilot training for company Sales and Marketing staff

Q1 2013 Launch of 1st module training

Q2 2013-Q4 2013 Launch of 2nd module training

Training

A central component of ECpA projects is active engagement with stakeholders. sustainable and productive agriculture is made possible through the combined efforts and individual expertise and solutions of various groups and individuals. the crop protection industry is uniquely placed to further the contribution it makes to society by delivering training to company sales and Marketing personnel. by rolling-out examples of best practices, and encouraging point-of-sale dissemination of guidance for safe and sustainable use, the European crop protection industry will lead by example.

the ECpA vision, values and priorities will be upheld in the development of training material and programmes covering the thematic areas of health, food, water and biodiversity.

Join the debateHave your saywww.ecpa.euwww.twitter.com/cropprotectionwww.facebook.com/cropprotection

Making a Change 15

Our network

Associate & SME Member Companies

Full Member Associations

Corporate Member Companies

BASF

DuPont de Nemours

Arysta LifeScience

AustriaFCIO – Fachverband

der Chemischen Industrie Oesterreichs

GermanyIVA – Industrieverband

Agrar eV

NetherlandsNefyto – Dutch Crop Protection Association

Gowan Company

Sumitomo Chemical

Bayer CropScience

Makhteshim Agan

Certis Europe

BelgiumPhytofar – Belgische

Vereniging voor de Industrie van phytosanitaire producten

Association Belge de l’Industrie des Produits Phytosanitaires

GreeceHCPA – Hellenic Crop Protection Association

Spainaepla – Asociación Empresarial para la Protección de las Plantas

ISK Biosciences Europe

Taminco

Dow AgroScience

Monsanto Europe

Cheminova

DenmarkDCPA – Danish Crop

Protection Association

IrelandAPHA – Animal and Plant

Health Association

United KingdomCPA – Crop Protection

Association

Janssen Pharmaceutica

United Phosphorous Ltd

Syngenta

Chemtura Europe

FranceUIPP – Union des Industries de la Protection des Plantes

ItalyAgrofarma – Associazione

nazionale imprese agrofarmaci

FMC

Nufarm SIPCAM

GAPEG Member Associations (non-agriculture)

National Associations as Associate Members

Group of Nordic Country Associations, Constituting One Member Only

FinlandKASTE

Kasvinsuojeluteollisuus ry

Spain aepla

Asociación Empresarial para la Protección de las Plantas

NorwayNPF – Norsk Plantevern

Forening

Belgium Phytofar – Belgische

Vereniging voor de Industrie van Phytosanitaire Producten

Association Belge de l’Industrie des Produits

Phytosanitaire

SwedenSvenskt Växtskydd

BulgariaBgCPA – Bulgarian Crop

Protection Association NA

LatviaLAARUTA – Latvian Crop

Protection Association

CroatiaCROCPA – Croatian Crop

Protection Association

Czech RepublicCCPA – Czech Crop Protection

Association

LithuaniaLCPA – Lithuanian Crop Protection Association

CyprusCCPA – Cyprus Crop

Protection Association

HungaryHuCPA – Hungarian Crop

Protection Association

PolandPSOR – Polskie

Stowarzyszenie Ochrony Roslin

PortugalANIPLA – Associação National da Indústria para a Proteçção

das Plantas

RomaniaAIPROM – Romanian Crop

Protection Association

RussiaAEB – Russian Federation

SerbiaSECPA – Serbian Crop Protection Association

Slovak RepublicSCPA – Slovak Crop

Protection Association

SloveniaSLOCPA – Slovenian Crop

Protection Association

Switzerlandscienceindustries

Business Association Chemistry Pharma Biotech

TurkeyZIMID – Zirai Mücadele

Ilaclari Üreticileri Dernegi

UkraineEBA – European Business Assoc.

Agrochemical Committee

KazakhstanThe Kazakhstan Plant Protection Association

GAPEG Member Companies (non-agriculture)

BASF Dow AgroSciences

Monsanto Europe

Bayer Environmental Science Everris

Neudorff Scotts France

COMPO

Nufarm Syngenta

Italy Agrofarma

Associazione nazionale imprese agrofarmaci

France UPJ – Union des entreprises

pour la Protection des Jardins et Espaces Verts

For more information, please contact:ECPA aisbl

6 Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse1160 Brussels - BelgiumTel: +32 2 663 15 50Fax: +32 2 663 15 60E-mail: ecpa@ecpa.eu

www.ecpa.eu www.twitter.com/cropprotectionwww.facebook.com/cropprotection

The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) represents the crop protection industry at the European level. Its members include all major crop protection companies and national associations across Europe. ECPA promotes modern agricultural technology in the context of sustainable development; to protect the health of humans and the environment, and to contribute towards an affordable healthy diet, competitive agriculture and a high quality of life. ECPA members support fair, science-based regulation as a guarantee to the consumer, and the crop protection user, of high standards and safe products.

January 2013

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