The floriculture sector and greenhouse vegetable growers are very concerned about the impact of the re-labeling of pesticides. They fear that the integrated cultivation will be compromised. And that shouldn’t happen, says LTO Netherlands.
The Board for the authorization of plant protection products and biocides (Ctgb) is engaged in the re-labeling of all pesticides. As part of this revision, old WG (Legal Conditions for Use) and GA (the user’s manual) will be subject to a new standardized WG. After herbicides, insecticides are to be converted.
The floriculture sectors in particular (horticulture, nursery, bulbs), but greenhouse vegetable growers as well, are very worried about the consequences. They need continuing opportunities to fight pests in integrated production systems, combining biological resources and measures with chemical control.
NVWA, LTO and the authorization holders therefore conduct a joint impact analysis for insecticides. This should show whether the concerns are justified. The impact analysis will be completed this month.
So far the process has been constructive. “Integrated cultivation should not be put under threat”, emphasizes LTO crop protection specialist Jaap van Wenum. His organization hopes to make clear agreements with government and authorization holders.
Source: LTO Noord