The Crop Protection Estates-General have taken an important first step. After several months of work with stakeholders from the agricultural sector, a first set of alternatives by sector was presented.
Reducing the use of pesticides cannot simply be decreed. It has to be built on concrete, credible solutions that can be applied on farms.
That is exactly the aim of the Crop Protection Estates-General, driven by the Walloon Minister for Agriculture, Anne-Catherine Dalcq, and entrusted to the Walloon Centre for Agronomic Research.
This Friday 22 May, the Crop Protection Estates-General reached an important milestone with a first feedback session.
For several months, farmers, researchers, pilot centres, sector representatives and environmental stakeholders have been working together towards a shared goal: reducing pesticide use by developing concrete, credible and field-applicable solutions.
The method chosen is new to Wallonia. It is based on work carried out by sector, starting from farming realities and the specific needs of each crop.
A first result was presented: a nearly 70-page handbook bringing together the alternatives already identified, the research needs still to be addressed, and initial ideas for support.
This feedback session does not mark the end of the work. The next step will focus on the economic analysis of the alternatives. On this basis, and drawing on the assessment carried out, research will be strengthened, as will farmer training.
A support plan will then be drawn up to provide concrete assistance to farmers during this transition.
The ambition remains clear: moving towards fewer pesticides, with more alternatives, more support and more solutions for Walloon farmers.