Sound lifecycle management of pesticides and sustainable management of plant pests for healthy lives and the environment
The sound management of pesticides for the control of pest and plant diseases contributes to a large number of SDGs. It ensures healthy lives and the environment, and contributes in many ways to the eradication of hunger and the fight against the effects of climate change. FAO promotes the reduction of pesticide use and risks by supporting governments in regulating the pesticides that farmers can access, and by strengthening inspection, control systems and regulatory frameworks to assess, ban or discourage use of the most toxic pesticides It does so through the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) frameworks.
The International Code of Conduct and its guidelines assist countries by enabling the right legislative and regulatory environment to manage pesticides and their risks. In the past 25 years more than 46 guidelines on different steps of sound lifecycle management and other relevant issues have been issued in collaboration with WHO. FAO has also worked with WHO on more than 5 000 Codex Alimentarius standards for maximum residue limits in food and more than 3 000 pesticide quality standards. Evaluations conducted by two scientific advisory bodies – the FAO/WHO Joint meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS) – help set international standards that assist countries in pesticide risk assessment and mitigation.
FAO leads internationally on agrochemical management issues
Promoting sound pesticide management and IPM through Farmer Field Schools fosters gender equality and equity by addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of men and women. It also creates jobs, promotes adult and youth entrepreneurship, facilitates networking and strengthens associations.
FAO supports capacity building on pest and pesticide management as well as pesticide removal and related waste management in countries across five regions, through regional and national projects.
