Speciality Crops Need Protection

27 May 2010                          

Crop protection industry calls for new European partnership to protect important specialty crops
Experts gather in Seville to assess EU legislative developments and the crop science needs of EU agriculture

Today, the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) called upon representatives from the food chain and policy community to form a European partnership to map ways to ensure the future of European specialty crops. The key mission of the proposed initiative is to ensure that these important food crops get the protection they deserve and are not left as “orphans” by the regulatory process: the reality of market return versus the high cost of research and development does not hold a bright future for them at the moment. Specialty crops don’t cover a significant farmland area or product volume but are much valued in the diet of Europeans.  They include asparagus, endives, carrots, raspberries, cherries and many other fruits and vegetables.

Friedhelm Schmider, Director General of ECPA, said that "Specialty crops constitute many staple fruits and vegetables which we enjoy regularly and have national and regional significance.  Europe needs a comprehensive strategy to protect them – so that sufficient, specialized crop protection products are present in the farmer’s toolbox to combat the pests and disease that afflict these crops.  We need the right team to work together to map out how to respond to these threats and ensure constant innovation to meet the challenges ahead.”

“We propose a coordinating body at the European level that would bring together all the relevant contributing partners, including growers, the crop protection sector, the food chain industry, and national and regional governments. The crop science industry will aid and provide impetus so that this crucial approach becomes a reality,” added Schmider.

The call for action was supported by experts attending a conference in Seville addressing crop protection needs and assessing the impact of the future legislative framework. At the event, specialists and policymakers confirmed the role of crop protection in ensuring the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of European Agriculture.

"To meet the food security challenge ahead, the wider agricultural community and policy makers, and not just growers, have a responsibility to stay alert to food supply issues and keep our responses sharp. We will have to feed a growing population, ensure efficient use of natural resources, preserve biodiversity and combat global warming.  We can take comfort in the fact that we have much of the science, technology and know-how to meet the demand: we will have to use it wisely and scientifically – and keep on innovating!” said Schmider.

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The European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) represents the crop protection industry interests at European level. Its members include all major companies and national associations across Europe. For more information: www.ecpa.eu

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