Stewardship

Product stewardship is the responsible and ethical management of crop protection products (CPP) from discovery through to ultimate use and beyond. Stewardship is actively promoted by the FAO through the FAO code of conduct and encourages all stakeholders to play their part in the safe distribution and use of CPP.

 

The industry association, CropLife, also takes an active approach with stewardship programs around the world. Its publications also offer support and advice on key topics such as personal protection when using CPP in hot climates and the Safe and Effective Disposal of Crop Protection Product Containers.

Basic training programs can improve safe pesticide handling practices in developing countries. Examples of industry-led education and training efforts are:

Farmers in Colombia receive their training certificates

  • In China, more than 400 “Pesticide Safe Use” training programs trained more than 30,000 people, including key farmers, retailers and grass-roots extension workers, on the safe use of CPP.
  • In Latin America, more than 20,000 farmers are trained every year on the proper use and handling of CPP.
  • Alliances of industry, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs and others continue to play a part in promoting the effective and safe use of paraquat and all CPP

Recent studies have shown that the sustained efforts of the entire industry and its stakeholders have improved farmers' understanding of the risks associated with the use of paraquat and other CPP and the steps that are required to ensure safe use.

In the last 17 years more than 450,000 farmers in Mexico have been trained in product safety as part of the LUPPA program sponsored by Syngenta, a leading manufacturer of paraquat.