Year of publication 2010

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on pest and pesticide management policy development in support of pesticide risk reduction and sustainable agricultural production. It aims to encourage governments and other stakeholders to consider the question to what extent current pesticide use is actually justified. It places pesticide management in the broader context of pest management, and elaborates on linkages between sustainable pest management and policy objectives related to environmental protection, human health, food safety and trade. It is aimed at policymakers, government departments and other relevant stakeholders involved in policy development related to agricultural pest and pesticide management in developing countries. Although the main audience would be those working on agricultural policies that directly involve pest and pesticide management, the guidance is also considered important for those working on areas that are potentially affected by pesticide use, such as the environment, public and occupational health, animal health, food safety and trade.