Integrated Pest Management

1
 TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

2 CropLife International
Policy on IPM

OV E RV I E W
3 What is IPM?
4 Why is IPM Important?
5 Benefits of IPM

IPM COMPONENTS
5 Overview
6 Prevention
8 Monitoring
8 Intervention

I P M S T R AT E G I E S A N D T O O L S
10 Overview
11 Setting an Economic Threshold
11 Protecting Natural Enemies
12 Selecting the Right Products
CROPLIFE INTERNATIONAL
12 Using Products Responsibly
and Safely POLICY ON IPM
13 Preventing Pest Resistance to CropLife International and its member companies
Crop Protection Products and associations support sustainable agriculture
to produce sufficient, affordable food and fiber in an
environmentally and socially sensitive manner. Our
PLANT SCIENCE
INDUSTRY AND IPM goal is to maintain the natural resource base
for future generations.
14 Overview
15 Stewardship and Training We are committed to Integrated Pest Management
(IPM)—an economically viable, environmentally
sound and socially acceptable approach to crop
CASE STUDIES protection—as defined by the International Code of
16 Thailand Boosts Fruit Conduct on Pesticide Management. It is the mission
Exports with IPM of our member companies to provide customers
with safe and effective technologies to protect
17 Guatemala Pioneers
Responsible Use Training against adverse effects caused by pests, diseases
and weeds.
17 West Africa Protects Cocoa
with Spray Service Our member companies enable and encourage
18 Indian Farmers Benefit from the implementation of IPM by developing and
IPM Training promoting appropriate products and services.
We cooperate with partners to develop and test
19 Europe Helps Protect
IPM strategies and programs as well as provide
Farmers and Public Health
education and training on the sustainable use
of crop protection products. We measure and
communicate progress within our industry on
the adoption of the principles and values of
this declaration.

2
What is IPM?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations*, IPM means considering all available pest control
techniques and other measures that discourage the development
IPM allows farmers
of pest populations, while minimizing risks to human health and to manage diseases,
the environment.
insects, weeds and
For farmers, IPM is the best combination of cultural, biological and other pests in a
chemical measures to manage diseases, insects, weeds and other
pests. It takes into account all relevant control tactics and methods cost-effective and
that are locally available, evaluating their potential cost-effectiveness. environmentally
IPM does not, however, consist of any absolute or rigid criteria. It is
a flexible system that makes good use of local resources and the sound way.
latest research, technology, knowledge and experience.

Ultimately, IPM is a site-specific strategy for managing pests in the

most cost-effective, environmentally sound and socially acceptable
way. Implementation of IPM lies with farmers, who adopt practices
they view as practical and valuable to their activities.

* Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of
appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are
economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment. IPM emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop
with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms. (FAO, 2012).

3
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Why is GLOBAL
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ULATION THIS MEANS FARMERS MUST
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4
Benefits of IPM
IPM provides multiple benefits for society and the environment.
It is vital for the long-term future of the plant science industry.

■ Improved crop profitability due to better Crop protection companies that integrate IPM
pest control measures and appropriate use principles into marketing and customer support
of crop protection products for their products also stand to benefit from:

■ Stable, reliable and quality crop yields ■ Sustained market share and access

■ Decreased severity of pest infestations ■ Less risk of restrictions or deregistration

■  educed potential for problems of

R ■  ew opportunities for established and
N
pest resistance or resurgence novel products, techniques and services

■ Increased consumer confidence in the safety ■ Longer product lifecycles

and quality of food and fiber products
■  ecreased resistance of pests to crop
D
protection products and biotech plants

■ Increased public confidence in, and

credibility of, the crop protection industry

IPM Components
IPM requires competence in three areas: prevention, monitoring and intervention.

PREVENTION MONITORING INTERVENTION

Prevent the Monitor crops for both pests Intervene when control
build-up of pests and natural control mechanisms measures are needed
Includes a range Involves scouting for pests Involves physical, biological
of practical strategies (insects, diseases and weeds) and chemical methods to preserve
that suit local conditions. to determine if, when and how the economic value of crops with
intervention should occur. minimal effects on the environment.

understand inspect choose

conditions fields method
select identify plan
varieties issues approach
manage determine intervene
crops action responsibly

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 IPM COMPONENTS

Prevention
Many aspects of crop management are designed to prevent
initial outbreaks of insects, diseases or weeds. Practical
strategies (outlined below) can be combined and optimized
for an IPM program. The goal is to prevent pest populations
from building up to economically damaging levels.

CROP LOCATION
Growing crops in locations where they are best
suited to climate, soil and topography provides
them with optimal conditions from the start.
Appropriate land preparation builds on these
conditions.

VARIETY SELECTION
Choosing beneficial crop varieties, such as those
with disease and pest resistance, has always
been a cornerstone of IPM. These varieties can be
derived from traditional cross-breeding or modern
biotechnology: pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant
varieties, for example, may reduce the need for
other crop protection measures. Biotech crops can
also facilitate reduced or no-till practices, helping
to maintain soil health and prevent erosion.

STRATEGIC PLANTING
AND CROP ROTATION
Planting similar crops alongside each other can
substantially increase pests and should be avoided
if possible.
Growing different crops in rotation also helps
Traditionally, some farmers sow different crops in reduce the build-up of pests, especially those in
alternate rows or undersow a crop like maize with the soil such as root-feeding insects and fungi.
a legume such as cowpea to help improve soil Rotations can reduce weed problems and
fertility and reduce weeds. Such systems can help increase the range of weed control methods that
reduce pests. can be used.

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 IPM COMPONENTS

SOIL MANAGEMENT OPTIMIZING PLANT NUTRITION

Mechanical, physical and cultural crop protection Different soil types contain varying amounts of
methods prevent or minimize pests as well as reduce nutrients. At harvest, nutrients are removed with a
their build-up and carryover from one crop to crop from the soil. In order to maintain or improve
another. For example, traditional ploughing (“tillage”) soil fertility, these nutrients have to be replaced with
turns the soil and buries crop residue and weeds mineral and/or organic fertilizers. These products
before the seed bed is prepared for the next crop. must be applied at the right time in the correct
amounts to optimize soil health. New plant varieties
However, tillage has led to increased erosion as with more efficient uptake of nutrients should be
well as loss of soil moisture and organic material. considered.
In many countries, there has been a trend towards
reducing tillage and using herbicide-tolerant biotech HARVESTING AND STORAGE
crops. This has led to increased practice of direct
Carryover of weed seeds and disease-causing
drilling in Europe and no-till in the United States and
organisms can be reduced with good harvesting,
Canada. As a result, soil erosion problems have been
seed cleaning and storage methods.
greatly reduced.

WATER MANAGEMENT PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY

Protecting natural habitats near farmland is the best
Supplying water to crops is essential to plant health
way to conserve biodiversity, including many natural
but it can greatly influence pest incidence and
pest enemies. Careful management of farmland
impact. Irrigation may be required, especially in dry
edges, including trees and hedges, is important
areas or with crops that require a lot of moisture.
for wildlife habitats, providing cover and refuge for
But while flood irrigating some crops, such as
beneficial insects and animals (e.g., field bunds in
lowland rice, can control weeds, it is wasteful of
rice paddies provide refuge for predatory spiders
water and can adversely affect beneficial soil
that help control several insects).
organisms. Methods to combat these risks and
conserve water include drip irrigation or growing
crops on ridges or raised beds.

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 Monitoring
Observing crops determines if, when and what action
should be taken to maximize crop production and quality.
Decision-making tools range from pegboards to computers and
trained local experts to remote-sensing technologies. Getting
real-time information on what is happening in the field is ideal.

Management of any crop requires routine inspections IPM often requires collaborative decisions within
to assess how well plants are growing and what a specific geography to provide effective control
actions need to be taken from seeding to harvest. of pests. Some of these decisions need to be taken
Walking through a field involves scouting for by national governments in relation to quarantine
pests and distinguishing them from non-pests regulations and legislation, provision and training of
and beneficial insects. Tools like pheromone traps, advisory services and strategies for control of highly
diagnostics and forecasting systems can assist mobile pests like locusts. Geographic information
with such monitoring in a timely and accurate way. systems and remote-sensing techniques can also
assist in area-wide management.

Intervention
Reducing economically damaging pests to acceptable levels
may involve cultural, physical, biological and chemical control
measures individually or in combination. Costs, benefits, timing,
labor force and equipment as well as economic, environmental
and social impacts all have to be taken into consideration.

CULTURAL AND PHYSICAL METHODS These controls include introducing beneficial

insects or predators; applying micro-organisms
These techniques, such as weed control by tractor
such as viruses, fungi and bacteria; and using
cultivation or disease control by removing infected
pheromones to lure, trap and kill or interfere with
plant debris, should be assessed for their impact on
insects’ mating habits.
plant roots and yields as well as their requirements
for labor and energy. Also, the possibility of Using beneficial insects to control pests works best
integrating cultural techniques with the careful use when crops are grown in controlled environments
of crop protection products should be explored. like greenhouses and plastic tunnels. There are cases
For example, instead of replacing manual weeding when control techniques with living organisms are
entirely with herbicides, hoeing may be used in successful in open field conditions, such as
conjunction with them. using predatory mites against spider mites.
However, biological control products are usually
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL only efficient at low pest intensities and other
Research on nature’s own methods of pest control interventions are often required.
is yielding new products and methods that can be
used in IPM programs. Many of these require similar Bacteria, fungi, nematodes or viruses have also
technical expertise as crop protection products in been mass produced to control some pests. The
relation to formulation, field application and most common and successful is Bacillus thuringiensis
resistance management. (Bt), a naturally occurring bacterium, which has

8
 IPM COMPONENTS

been used to control several important pests CHEMICAL CONTROL

(e.g., caterpillar pests in vegetables, vineyards
Chemical crop protection products (pesticides) are
and orchards). With modern biotechnology, crops
biologically active chemicals that control a range
like corn and cotton can now express the insect
of insect and vertebrate pests, diseases and weeds.
toxin produced by this natural control agent,
They are often the most cost-effective way of
delivering it more effectively.
controlling infestations as part of an IPM strategy.
Finally, the development and availability of insect Today’s crop protection products are the result of
sex pheromones and other behavior-modifying more than 50 years of research, development and
chemicals offer farmers the possibility of: field experience around the world by the plant
science industry.
■ 
Selectivetrapping techniques to monitor
the movement of pests or changes in their Before crop protection products are released in the
populations during the season market, they are thoroughly tested for their safety,
usefulness and effectiveness. When sold, they are
■ 
“Lure and kill” strategies to attract the pest labeled with explicit use instructions.
to insecticide deposits and reduce the need
for overall crop spraying To get the most out of these products, they must
be applied correctly. Responsible use and good
■ 
Mating disruption that slows population handling practices limit potential pesticide residues
build-up to delay or reduce the need for in crops and the environment as well as help avoid
control treatments pest resurgence and resistance.

Biotechnology also has considerable potential to Improved application techniques and equipment,
contribute to IPM. One focus of research has been such as reduced drift nozzles and spot spraying,
on mass production of micro-organisms that cause help farmers protect untreated refuges (e.g.,
disease in insect pests and weeds or compete with hedgerows and field margins) and natural habitats
plant disease-causing organisms. The second and for wildlife and pest enemies. The timing of
most rapidly expanding area of biotechnology for treatment (season and time of day) as well as the
pest control has been the development of crop types of products used are also critical factors.
varieties resistant to pests and diseases and/or
tolerant to herbicides. These varieties incorporate
insect or disease resistance within the plant for
accurate and timely delivery of an active ingredient.
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 IPM Strategies and Tools
IPM includes the development and use of chemical, natural,
biological and biotech products for pest control. It may also
involve computer-aided sampling and decision-making as
well as improved farm equipment.

Farmers are the primary decision-makers

in IPM programs. Individually or collectively,
they have to decide how to manage all pests
that may damage crops. The role of the plant
science industry is to provide access to a
wide range of useful technologies, products,
services and as much information as possible
on their characteristics, costs, specificities
and optimal use strategies. Most farmers will
combine different IPM tactics and tools.

As a prerequisite to developing an IPM

program, it is important to understand
farmers’ perceptions of pest problems and
their current practices of pest control. IPM
recommendations must be flexible enough
to adjust to changes in the environment,
cropping patterns and market forces. The
socio-economic effects of IPM components
must also be examined. For example, the use
of herbicides reduces farm labor but may
contribute to urban migration. On the other
hand, manual weeding is time-consuming,
labor-intensive and not always possible to
perform at the right time. This is problematic
since yields of some crops suffer due to
late weeding and root damage.

10
 SETTING AN ECONOMIC THRESHOLD Farmers and
The extent of economic losses can vary significantly between
seasons, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
their advisors can
Since the severity of pest infestations varies, it is generally far use a range of
better to monitor pest populations or the damage they cause
before deciding to use a crop protection product or other
technologies in
intervention. Once an infestation has reached an “economic IPM programs.
threshold”—the point at which the pest population level causes
losses greater than the cost of controlling the pest—it is time to
intervene. Alternatively, modelling, for example based on weather Selecting
conditions, can indicate the need to intervene before the pest
reaches the economic threshold (e.g., late blight in potato). them requires
One difficulty with the use of an economic threshold as a
appropriate tools,
decision tool is that it depends on the value of the crop. Income knowledge and
from the sale of crops can change rapidly based on supply and
demand in local markets. The threshold is also dependent on expertise like:
IPM TRAINING INCLUDES:
pest populations and the stage of crop development at which
it occurs. This matters because many crops can compensate
for some damage during part of their growth cycle. Pest-
resistant varieties can reduce the severity of an infestation, but
pest populations must still be monitored to see if additional
intervention is required.

Farmers need simple methods for quickly determining whether

a pest population in a crop is likely to cause economic damage.
Local knowledge can be used to help develop practical methods
acceptable to farmers. In some regions, it may be possible to
develop local databases to assist in making decisions on an WHEN
area-wide basis. ANDWHEN
HOW and HOW
IDENTIFYING to manage pests
PROTECTING NATURAL ENEMIES beneficial insects to manage pests
Conserving natural enemies of pests is an important part of
IPM TRAINING INCLUDES:
IPM and helps to prevent pest resurgence. The effect of a crop
protection product or other intervention on both pests and
their natural enemies needs to be considered. Timing product
application to periods when natural enemies are not active, for
example, may help protect them. Maintaining minimum pest
and non-pest populations for natural enemies to feed on may
be essential for their survival. Research should also assess the
importance of weeds and other local plants that may encourage
survival of beneficial species at field edges.

Populations of beneficial species can recover quite quickly, RESPONSIBLE

even when broad-spectrum products are used and particularly USE of crop
IDENTIFYING WHEN and HOW
if they are easily degradable. This occurs with the migration RESPONSIBLEprotection
USE PROP
and recolonization of sprayed areas from refuge areas at
eneficial insects to manage pests
field margins. It is also possible to physically limit the impact
of crop protection
products of em
of broad-spectrum products; part of a crop area can be left products or un
untreated to allow natural enemies to survive and recolonize
the treated areas.

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 I P M S T R AT E G I E S A N D T O O L S

SELECTING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

In developing an IPM program with crop protection minimize the impact of crop protection products
products, it is essential to review product as the active ingredient is often within the plant
characteristics, applications and costs, then select where beneficial species do not come into contact.
the ones that provide the most cost-effective
treatment with minimal undesirable effects. Some Most crop protection products have a broad
products have a broad spectrum of activity, while spectrum of activity and it’s important to distinguish
others only target a few types of pests. Selective between their intrinsic toxicity and bioavailability—
substances are less likely to affect natural enemies the degree to which the active ingredient is absorbed
and other non-target organisms, but they are often or becomes available to pests in the field. While an
more expensive and less widely available. When active ingredient may be toxic to a range of insects,
they are available, it is important to determine if it may not be bioavailable to non-pests. For example,
fewer applications of them are more cost-effective when an active ingredient is contained within plants
than a cheaper, broad-spectrum product that (Bt biotech crops), it does not impact species that
requires more applications. Seed treatments, do not eat the plant. Also, how crop protection
which protect seedlings from early pests, are also products are applied and how long they remain in the
beneficial and may prevent the need for crop environment matters. For instance, compounds that
protection product applications later on. They penetrate plant leaves and degrade quickly on leaf
surfaces may have a minimal impact on non-pests.

USING PRODUCTS RESPONSIBLY AND SAFELY

Every crop protection product should be used applications, the spray runs down the tops of leaves
according to manufacturer recommendations. and drips onto the soil. This wasted spray can have
These are designed to provide reliable control serious adverse effects on soil-dwelling natural
under normal field conditions. They also provide enemies, especially spiders and ants. When farmers
instructions on how to handle and apply the see pests surviving, they will often spray crops as
frequently as twice a week instead
of investing in better equipment or
Mindful farming practices, such as directing crop changing their spraying practices
or products. Simple changes in
protection spray to the undersides of leaves where
farming practices like directing the
insects are located, can better control pests. nozzle to spray where the pest is
located on the undersides of leaves
or controlling spray pressure can
product safely. Recommended doses should be improve crop protection product coverage and
used to control pests and prevent them from better control pests.
developing resistance to products. Guidelines on
the appropriate storage, transport and disposal of Some farmers spray late or alter the dose because
unused products and empty containers should also of difficulties in obtaining sufficient water to spray,
be strictly followed. especially in semi-arid and dry areas. However, there
are reduced volume techniques that allow farmers
Targeted and timely application of crop protection to treat pests more quickly when their population
products is key to effective and efficient pest reaches the economic threshold. In other situations,
control. This requires the use of appropriate and granule application is more appropriate as the
well maintained equipment as well as knowledge product can be localized to the root of a crop or in
of pests. Many insects can survive under the the “funnel” of maize plants.
“umbrella” of leaves if farmers only spray leaf tops
by holding the nozzle above the crop. In excessive

12
 I P M S T R AT E G I E S A N D T O O L S

PREVENTING PEST RESISTANCE

TO CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS
All farmers are challenged with the fact that pests
adapt to active ingredients and eventually become
resistant to them without prevention strategies.
IPM offers a range of ways to reduce the risk of
resistance developing. This includes monitoring
pest populations, applying treatments when the
economic threshold is reached and implementing
strategies, such as alternating or mixing compatible
crop protection products or biotech seeds with
different modes of action.

To prevent or delay the onset of resistance, farmers

or pest control advisors need to understand target
pest biology and ecology; the efficacy of the crop
protection product and the pest’s sensitivity to it;
stacked versus single insecticidal traits; product usage
patterns; local cropping systems; and the availability
of alternative pest management options, including
biotech, chemical, biological and cultural controls.

Biotech insect-protected crops express proteins

for insect control internally, offering excellent
protection from damaging pests around the world.
These crops can also offer superior environmental
benefits while increasing grower income. Given
this value, insect resistance management is
essential. Strategies include planting “refuge”
areas that don’t contain biotech traits; scouting
and applying crop protection products as needed;
rotating different modes of action; restricting
the use of a single insect control protein across
multiple crops; destroying crop residues; using
locally adapted crop varieties with native resistance;
and combining multiple traits targeting the same
pests within a plant.

The continued development of novel active

ingredients for crop protection products and
new biotech traits will expand the resistance
management tools available to farmers. Additional
tools will help manage pests economically and
sustainably while protecting the effectiveness
and value of all control options.

13
 LOSSES stewardship, the plant science industry
ts, weeds trains farmers on IPM best practices.
s

Since 2005 CropLife International IPM programs have train

Y Plant Science Industry and IPM
IPM TRAINING INCLUDES:

The global plant science industry has a major role to play in

the widespread adoption of IPM. This requires mutual support,
partnerships and collaboration with governments, non-government
organizations and research companies; international, national and
local agricultural associations; crop IDENTIFYING WHEN and HOW
protection product distributors, RESPONSIBLE USE
beneficial insects to manage pests of crop protection
dealers and retailers; and, of course, farmers themselves.
products

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and technical staff
■ 
Crop protection products with new,
■ Establishing IPM demonstration sites and farms
specific active ingredients
■ Chemicals that modify pest behavior ■ Offering marketing materials and sales services:
■ Safer and more effective formulations and ■ Including IPM technical literature and
seed treatments educational materials
■ 
Integrating marketing and sales performance
■ Biotech and biological control products that
can be used in IPM IPM TRAINING INCLUDES: incentives with IPM success.
■ Diagnostic tools and pest population ■ Participatingin local projects that promote
forecasting systems IPM, including those supported by the United
Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization,
■ Improved product application and safety to reduce
World Bank, other development banks, donor
spray drift, run-off and leaching into ground water
agencies, non-government organizations and
private sector players

IDENTIFYING WHEN and HOW RESPONSIBLE USE PROPER DISPOSA

beneficial insects to manage pests of crop protection of empty containe
14 products or unused product
opLife network has over
The global CropLife network has over
PARTNERSHIPS worldwide worldwide.
340 IPM PARTNERSHIPS

IPM
IPMTRAINING
TRAINING INCLUDES:
INCLUDES:

STEWARDSHIP AND TRAINING A major goal of the training is to maximize

product benefits and minimize their risks. Such
IPM TRAINING INCLUDES:
Long-term and sustainable adoption of IPM by
training covers all aspects of handling and storing
farmers will only occur if they get information
crop protection products, as well as when to use
about it along with the tools and technologies
and when not to use them, including how to:
to implement it. To this end, the plant science
IDENTIFYING
IDENTIFYING WHEN
WHEN and
and HOW
HOW RESPONSIBLEUSE
RESPONSIBLE USE PROPERDISPOSAL
PROPER DISPOSAL
industry is actively engaged in farmer training ■ Identify pests and beneficial insects
beneficial
beneficialinsects
insects to
tomanage
manage pests
pests of crop
crop protection
protection ofofempty
emptycontainers
containers
and capacity building programs around the
■  products
Aproducts ororunused
unusedproducts
ssess risk of pest populations products
and
world, including partnerships with the public
potential crop damage
sector. Key components include:
■ 
Manage pests according to IPM principles
■  WHEN
Training technical and
IDENTIFYING and HOW
teaching staff, who RESPONSIBLE USE PROPER DISPOSAL
■ 
Apply crop products safely and
may teach advisory to
beneficial insects manage
and pestsabout IPM.
sales staff of protection if required of empty
crop effectively containers
■ It’s important farmers receive consistent products or unused products
messages from more than one source and all ■ Avoid unacceptable risks to people
stakeholders are on the same page. and the environment
■ 
Minimize
product residues on crops
■ 
Training government, private extension
and monitor for pest resistance
staff as well as crop protection product and
seed distributors and retailers. ■ 
Storeproducts safely and properly
■ These people directly influence farmers and
dispose of empty containers
need to be able to provide practical advice
about IPM.
Responsible use training is carried out by our
association network in more than 70 countries. As
■ 
Developing education and training programs of 2013, more than 2.5 million farm workers, along
for farmers. with other groups, such as extension agents and
■ 
IPM TRAINING
IPM TRAININGtrainers, have received training from the CropLife
Practical ways of reaching farmers may include
As part of an on-going
field schools, mass and social media, newsletters, commitment
International to people then go on
network. These
As part of an on-going commitment to
direct mail, videos and posters. stewardship, thetoplant science industry
inform or train more people, resulting in a
stewardship, the plant science industry
trains farmers onsignificant
IPM bestmultiplier
practices.
effect.
trains farmers on IPM best practices.
Adoption of IPM is growing fast in both
developed and developing countries due to the
AS PART OF
desire to achieve sustainable agriculture at national
AN ONGOING and international levels. IPM is supported by all major
COMMITMENT stakeholders involved in sustainable development
to stewardship, from governments to donor agencies. In fact,
IPM TRAINING
the plant science legislation is increasingly being used by governments
to support integration of IPM into farming practices.
industry trains
As part of an on-going commitment to
farmers on IPM
That’s because IPM is the future of farming.

stewardship,
best practices. the plant science industry
trains farmers on IPM best practices.
Since 2005 CropLife International IPM programs have trained over
Since 2005 CropLife International IPM programs have trained over
2 MILLION individuals
2 MILLION individuals

15
 CASE STUDIES

Thailand Boosts
Fruit Exports with IPM
Thailand is a major fruit-exporting country with the European Union
alone enjoying over 20 percent of its exports. To maintain and grow
exports, applying internationally accepted IPM and good agricultural
practices are essential to Thailand’s success.

However, thousands of the country’s small fruit the responsible use of crop protection products
farmers used to struggle with poor yields and many in Chantaburi. This success continued with 3,650
lacked knowledge of global safety standards for farmers trained in Phitsanulok in one year.
exportation. They used to apply crop protection
products excessively and ineffectively. They had To help farmers retain their lessons, the master
little knowledge of proper product use, personal trainers distributed 7,000 responsible use manuals,
safety and environmental protection. The results and 10,000 related posters. TCPA also held
were low yields, high costs and unacceptable risks eight exhibitions on the responsible use of crop
of crop protection product exposure. protection products.

Over the years, the Thai Crop Protection Association As of 2012, TCPA staff had trained a total of
(TCPA) and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture 123,550 farmers and 1,720 crop protection product
and Cooperatives’ Department of Agricultural retailers on IPM and good agricultural practices.
Extension have helped small-scale farmers bridge These efforts have greatly improved Thailand
the knowledge gap. For example, in two years, agriculture, exports and protection of farm
almost 37,200 farmers were trained on IPM and workers and the environment.

16
Guatemala Pioneers Responsible Use Training
More than 20 years ago, CropLife International selected Guatemala
as a pilot country for farmer training on the management of crop
protection products.

Agrequima, the crop protection association entered into an agreement with the Guatemalan
of Guatemala and a member of CropLife Latin Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food to train
America, was established shortly thereafter. Its farmers on the responsible use of crop protection
mission is to improve domestic agriculture under products at a national level. Today, the demand for
the CuidAgro program, which trains farmers on farmer training continues to grow.
IPM and the responsible use and storage of crop
protection products as well as certifies qualified CuidAgro teaches farmers how to farm more
product applicators. efficiently, protecting their health and the
environment. Surplus crops from increased
Since 1991, Agrequima has trained close to 800,000 productivity can be sold and increase household
farmers. It works with 14 partner organizations income. In addition, farmers who complete
to reach tens of thousands of farmers annually. responsible use training earn a certificate from
In 2012, for example, Agrequima trained about Agrequima that confirms they have undergone
50,000 farmers. training in crop management. This satisfies the
requirements of an international certification
A professional staff of agronomists helped body and export companies that the farmer
Agrequima design its own training program skills have been tested.
adapted to local conditions. In 1997, Agrequima

West Africa Protects Cocoa with Spray Service

Crop protection products are critical to
the management of pests and disease in
cocoa crops in West Africa, which produces
about 70 percent of the world’s cocoa.
The responsible use of these products is important
to help farmers maximize crop production while
minimizing product use and waste. Spraying
requires specific skills and farmers need training on
how to apply crop protection products properly.

To address this need, CropLife Africa Middle East,

in partnership with the World Cocoa Foundation,
has initiated a program to train small-scale cocoa
farmers and registered crop protection product
dealers as Spray Service Providers (SSPs) in
Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. SSPs
product dealers; properly plan and manage stocks of
receive special training to properly understand IPM
these products; and provide a network to implement
and then hire out their services to fellow farmers.
an empty container management program.
The objectives of the training are to improve
With support from the World Cocoa Foundation,
responsible use of crop protection products by
CropLife Africa Middle East expects to train about
establishing a network of SSPs; improve farmer
3,200 SSPs over two years. These SSPs, in turn, will
accessibility to these products by linking SSPs to
help 40,000 farmers increase their crop production.

17
 CASE STUDIES

Indian Farmers Benefit from IPM Training

For farmers in the Adoni region of Andhra Pradesh, India,
training on IPM has made a dramatic difference.

The “Training Through Local Partnerships” 81,000 farmers. A total of 101,000 farmers were
program was the result of a 2010 collaboration reached through this grassroots program with
between CropLife International, CropLife Asia and exponential impact.
CropLife India and two local Indian organizations.
It incorporates activities such as inspecting crops, Farmer practices were evaluated immediately after
identifying beneficial insects, when to use and training and subsequently throughout the program
when not to use crop protection products, wearing with increasing positive results, including:
personal protection equipment, safely storing ■ 
93percent of farmers were able to
crop protection products and triple rinsing identify beneficial insects following training
empty product containers. and 94 percent two years later

Collaborating with partners who understand ■ 

95percent consistently understood
local needs, master trainers trained by CropLife pesticide labels right after training and
International directly train 5,000 farmers each year. 99 percent after two years
These farmers, in turn, train other farmers in their ■ 
94 percent of farmers wore some personal
community. In just four years since the program protective equipment immediately after
began, 45 master trainers were able to train training and 100 percent two years later
20,000 farmers, who then trained an additional ■ 
98percent consistently stored pesticides
safely immediately following training and
99 percent after two years

18
Europe Helps Protect
Farmers and Public Health
The European Crop Protection Association launched its Safe and
Sustainable Use Initiative (SUI) to provide farmers and operators
with tools for the safe and effective use of crop protection products.

The industry-initiated program, now more than information helps determine key factors of success
a decade old, is an important example of how for each country. After a defined amount of time,
knowledge transfer can spread good practices as another survey is undertaken in order to verify the
part of a wider IPM strategy. uptake of the SUI recommendations. For example,
in Poland a follow-up survey in 2013 showed a large
Currently, the crop protection industry has projects increase in the number of orchard growers wearing
in 15 countries—Serbia, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, gloves, protective coveralls and face shields in tank
Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania, Cyprus, Slovakia, mix operations.
Croatia, Latvia, Turkey and Romania.
Regular monitoring of performance indicators has
Before launching the SUI in a country, a baseline shown that easy-to-implement best practices have
survey analyses the situation on the ground. been taken up by crop protection product users
Farmers are asked about their working methods, in a short amount of time, increasing protection of
what personal protective wear they use and what human and environmental health.
their daily routine consists of in the field. This

19
CropLife International aisbl
Avenue Louise 326, Box 35
1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 542 04 10

croplife@[Link]
[Link]
Published 2014

CropLife International is the voice

of the global plant science industry.
It champions the role of agricultural
innovations in crop protection and
plant biotechnology in supporting
and advancing sustainable agriculture;
helping farmers feed a growing
population while looking after the
planet; and progressing rural
communities. The world needs
farmers and farmers need plant
science. CropLife International is
proud to be at the heart of helping
farmers grow.

Helping Farmers Grow