The members of trade association CropLife International have issued (June 12, 2024) an Industry Declaration renewing and reaffirming their commitment to the principles and standards of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. The Declaration marks the first anniversary of the publication of their Guide to Industry on the Code’s implementation.
The Code of Conduct (ICoC), governed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a voluntary instrument covering the whole pesticide lifecycle from research and development, manufacture and use, to the safe removal and treatment of waste. It outlines the responsibilities of all stakeholders throughout these processes. Adherence to the principles of the Code of Conduct is a condition of membership of CropLife International, reflecting its centrality to the industry and organization.
The undertakings made today set out the CropLife International member commitment to:
- Uphold the objectives and standards enshrined in the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management
- Support access to safe and affordable food, to a clean healthy environment and safe working conditions through adherence to and promotion of the Code
- Strive to reflect and promote sustainable outcomes in agronomical practices, balancing the imperatives of biodiversity, productivity and climate
- Embody a life cycle approach through Pesticide Stewardship, from research and development, manufacture and use, to the safe removal and treatment of waste
- Support farmers in their endeavors to produce more food on less land sustainably, providing guidance, training and promoting practices that ensure responsible and effective pesticide use
- Call upon all stakeholders to similarly uphold and promote the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, recognizing the need for cooperative efforts across governmental and regulatory bodies, the pesticide industry, international organizations, traders, the food industry, product users and public-interest groups.
CropLife International Chairman of the Board Livio Tedeschi of BASF announced the Declaration whilst speaking at the annual conference of the International Grains Council in London, saying “Balancing the imperatives of biodiversity, productivity and climate are central to our shared purpose. The plant-science industry has a crucial role to play in this, supporting farmers in their endeavors to produce more food on less land sustainably. It’s a responsibility we hold at the very core of our businesses.
“In issuing this Declaration today, the members of CropLife International are underscoring the centrality of these commitments to our long term strategy and our day-to-day operations alike. I’m proud to be able to bring forward these undertakings, and call on all stakeholders to join us in similarly ensuring that principles enshrined in the Code of Conduct are continuously upheld.”
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