Montevideo – In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, FAO signed a project agreement with the Government of Uruguay (Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries, and Ministry of Environment) to launch a joint project for reducing the use of harmful agrochemicals and plastic pollution.

The project, titled "Strengthening Investment for Adoption of Alternatives and Sustainable Management of Agrochemicals and Agricultural Plastics in Uruguay", aims to enhance capacity agrochemical oversight in the country; eliminating harms of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) which has been a major concern, ensuring safer agricultural practices and reducing the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide use. It promotes the adoption of bio-alternatives and improve regulatory frameworks fostering a more sustainable agricultural system in Uruguay.

A holistic approach
Mr Baogen Gu, Senior Agricultural Officer at FAO, expressed his optimism about the project's impact: "We hope the project will serve as a model for others to foster healthier, more sustainable agricultural systems through an innovative and holistic approach. We are committed to keep working towards the phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) worldwide."

The project will address several pressing challenges in the sustainable pest and pesticide management, will establish financial mechanisms to help farmers transition to bio-alternatives and sustainable practices, and will assess, update, and develop policies and regulations to improve the management of HHPs and pesticide waste.
 
Tackling global challenges locally
Working together, at the same time, in different countries and regions to consolidate and share best practices. This initiative, will be executed by FAO and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is part of the broader Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM) Programme, which is coordinated by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The five-year initiative will align Uruguay with international best practices, providing farmers with improved access to finance, markets, and innovative technologies and products.

As the project progresses, it is expected to generate valuable insights and models that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. The joint efforts of the Government of Uruguay, along with FAO, reflect a robust commitment to building a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with the environment.