IPM Conference 2024 Report Now Available: Advancing Holistic Integrated Pest Management and Reducing Pesticide Use in European Agriculture

The full report of the IPM Conference 2024 is now available for public access. The conference, jointly organised by the IPMWORKS and IPM Decisions projects, brought together experts, farmers, and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the future of European agriculture and the role of holistic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

The report highlights key discussions and outcomes of the event, including testimonies from farmers successfully implementing IPM strategies, insights from Hub Coaches facilitating knowledge exchange, and the presentation of several tools and resources aimed at supporting sustainable pest management in European agriculture.

Key Highlights of the Conference Report:

  • Innovative Approaches to IPM: The report features a detailed overview of the holistic IPM approach, as implemented by farmers in the IPMWORKS network, which has demonstrated significant reductions in pesticide use and improvements in farm profitability.
  • European Commission Support: The report includes the opening speech by Mr. Diego Canga Fano from DG AGRI, underscoring the European Commission’s commitment to reducing pesticide use under the Farm to Fork Strategy.
  • Interactive Workshops and Tools: Several workshops were held, providing opportunities to explore tools such as the IPM Resource Toolbox, the IPM Decisions platform, and IPMWORKS e-learning modules, which support the transition to more sustainable farming practices.

The report also outlines key messages, including the importance of a holistic approach to IPM and the need for continued support and funding to expand these practices across the EU. It stresses that reducing pesticide use should be seen not as a constraint but as an economic opportunity for farmers, while enhancing the EU’s competitiveness in the global agricultural market.

The full report is now available on the IPMWORKS website. For more information, please visit: https://ipmworks.net/2024/12/17/ipm-conference-2024-holistic-ipm-reducing-pesticide-use-brussels/

Additionally, the presentations and other materials from the conference can be accessed here: https://ipmworks.net/2024/07/15/ipm-conference-2024-holistic-ipm-reducing-pesticide-use-2/

For further inquiries, please contact:

  • Nicolas Munier-Jolain (IPMWORKS Coordinator) – nicolas.munier-jolain@inrae.fr
  • Mark Ramsden (IPM Decisions Coordinator) – mark.ramsden@adas.co.uk

About IPMWORKS
IPMWORKS is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. It focuses on promoting holistic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions to reduce pesticide use and promote sustainable agriculture across Europe.

About IPM Decisions
IPM Decisions is a companion project to IPMWORKS, aimed at enhancing decision-making tools and supporting farmers in the adoption of IPM practices.

For more information about the projects and future initiatives, visit www.ipmworks.net.