The members of the trade association CropLife International have issued an Industry Declaration renewing and reaffirming their commitment to the principles and standards of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.

The International Code of Conduct is a collaborative effort between the governments of pesticide-exporting and pesticide-importing countries. The goal of this collaborative effort is to ensure that pesticides are used effectively while minimizing potential health and environmental risks.

It is crucial for both the agriculture industry and everyday consumers to be aware that various factors contribute to the safety of our food supply, with pesticide use being a significant one.

The Declaration marks the first anniversary of the publication of their Guide to Industry on the Code’s implementation.

The Code of Conduct, governed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is a voluntary instrument covering the entire pesticide lifecycle, from research and development to manufacture, use, and safe disposal 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 in CropLife International, reflecting its central importance to the industry and organization.

The undertakings made today demonstrate the commitment of CropLife International members to:

1. Uphold the objectives and standards enshrined in the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
2. Support access to safe and affordable food, a clean and healthy environment, and safe working conditions through adherence to and promotion of the Code.
3. Strive to reflect and promote sustainable outcomes in agronomical practices, balancing the imperatives of biodiversity, productivity, and climate.
4. Embody a lifecycle approach through Pesticide Stewardship, from research and development to manufacture, use, and safe disposal of waste.
5. Support farmers in their efforts to produce more food on less land sustainably by providing guidance, training, and promoting practices that ensure responsible and effective pesticide use.
6. 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.

Livio Tedeschi, Chairman of the Board of CropLife International and a representative of BASF, announced the Declaration. He emphasized that the plant science industry has a crucial role in supporting farmers in their endeavors to produce more food on less land sustainably.

“Balancing the imperatives of biodiversity, productivity, and climate is central to our shared purpose. It is a responsibility we hold at the very core of our businesses,” said Livio.

He highlighted that by issuing the declaration, CropLife International members underscore the centrality of these commitments to both their long-term strategy and day-to-day operations.

Tedeschi expressed pride in bringing forward these undertakings and called on all stakeholders to join in ensuring that the principles enshrined in the Code of Conduct are continuously upheld.