In this context, Copa-Cogeca and IBMA agreed on a new Roadmap for collaboration (2018-2025) based on lessons learned through the implementation of the first roadmap (2014-2018). With the new development in the sector, such as the establishment of the European Union Minor Uses Coordination Facility (EUMUCF), the Motion for Resolution from the European Parliament (8/2/2018 B8-0140/2017) and the Expert Group on Sustainable Plant Protection both organisations recognise the great value for continuing and expanding the scope of collaborations between farmers and biocontrol manufacturers.
For Pekka Pesonen, Copa-Cogeca Secretary General “The reduction of farmers’ toolbox endangers their ability to effectively fight against pests and diseases. In addition, availability of proper tools - mechanical, chemical or biological - is a key element to properly implement Integrated Pest Management. The development of safer environmental options is crucially important for sectors like organic, which seeks mainstreaming production while facing lower availability of solutions and climate change.”
In the roadmap, presented to the press on September 11th, Copa-Cogeca and IBMA announced the addition of a new platform dedicated to regulatory watch, adding to the three existing ones.
During his presentation David Cary, IBMA’s executive director “recognises and values working closely with farmers through Copa and Cogeca. Both organisations see these low-risk biological plant protection products as the key to the farming of the future. This is increasingly being recognised across society and the partnership is pivotal to this happening, as is the work within the European Parliament on low-risk biological Plant Protection Products.”