IPMWORKS present at the SIMA - Salon International du Machinisme Agricole – in Paris-Villepinte

Nicolas Munier-Jolain, coordinator of H2020 IPMWORKS was present at the SIMA, on the INRAE stand. The main topics of INRAE this year was robotics, sensors, and photovoltaic systems in agriculture. The stand included a poster of the IPMWORKS network of European farmers engaged in the reduction in the reliance on pesticides, demonstrating that it is indeed possible and cost-effective. Many farmers visiting the SIMA and the INRAE stand were interested to know more about the network. Informal discussions gave the opportunity to explain about the concept of holistic IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and its five pillars (landscape management to reduce pest pressure, cropping system redesign to reduce pest pressure, the use of non-chemical control whenever possible, including mechanical and biocontrol solutions, the optimisation of decision making to avoid unnecessary treatments, and the improvement of treatment efficiency whenever a treatment is deemed necessary). The specific IPMWORKS method was also discussed with visitors. This approach to foster IPM adoption is based on groups of farmers, facilitated by an adviser (the so-called IPMWORKS Hub Coach) who promotes peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and the collective search of technical solutions adapted to the specific conditions of each farms.