This week, CropLife colleagues met with the National Institute of Agricultural Research in Kénitra, Morocco, specialised in citrus research. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the use of digital solutions in agriculture and public-private cooperation Pushing innovation is a key pillar of the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework, and enhancing public-private cooperation is also a core ambition of the SPMF!
Last week, CropLife Morocco and CropLife Africa Middle East organised a workshop on the topic of ‘Promoting the transition of Moroccan agriculture towards sustainable food systems: From theory to action’. In light of water stress, climate change, new pest pressures, and the rise of plant diseases in recent years, agriculture in Morocco is now dealing with multiple threats in 2024. The sector must tackle three challenges simultaneously: transitioning towards sustainable food systems, while reducing food insecurity, and remaining competitive in international markets. All these also with the ambition of achieving the goals of the Green Generation plan of the Kingdom of Morocco – which notably aims to increase agricultural productivity and create a middle class of farmers in Morocco. Achieving a balance between the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainability will be a key challenge for the future. Therefore, the objective of the workshop was to discuss such challenges but above all the opportunities. For this occasion, various actors across the food value chain, from producers-exporters to industry, as well as government representatives, regulatory authorities and research institutes, were gathered. It was noted that, to ensure a transition that leaves no one behind, it is necessary to implement a localised green transition adapted to the specific needs of Morocco, taking into account geographical, climatic, and economic aspects. Several key elements have been identified in this regard, such as:
In the afternoon of the workshop, the focus was on the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework – launched by CropLife in Morocco end of 2022 – which illustrates CropLife’s ambition to protect human health, preserve the environment while optimising agricultural productivity, notably through research and innovation as well as increased cooperation between the public. By taking a localised approach, the SPMF therefore contributes to sustainable food systems, while contributing to food security and maintaining trade. Stay tuned for more about the SPMF in Morocco!
Last week, CropLife AME colleagues attended the annual scientific meeting and conference organised by the Middle East and North Africa Clinical Toxicology Association (MENATOX Conference), in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. MENATOX aims to facilitate communication between all its members, promote collaborations that advance the care of poisoned patients, and establish meaningful research endeavours to achieve self-sustainability and better plan health care delivery. Evelyn Lusenaka, CL AME Stewardship Director, notably provided a presentation on Pesticides Primer for Clinical Toxicologists and Public Health Professionals: Proper Selection, Characteristics, and Safe Applications. The presentation provided the audience with a better understanding of pesticides, risks and hazards and responsible use. In addition to the presentation, CL AME held a side event titled The Roles of Poison Information Centres in the LMICs and EMRO Countries in Safe Management of Pesticides. Key outcomes from the presentation and side event were that CL AME needs to work closely to share information on pesticides with the clinical toxicologists. There is also a need to develop a database of the active ingredients and a guide on how the clinicians can manage incidences of poisoning. In addition, CLAME will work closely with MENATOX to build capacity of the poison information centres in data collection. CropLife AME is thriller to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MENATOX to collaborate in building the capacity of poison information centres across the MENA region in order to share knowledge and data on pesticide poisonings to augment stewardship activities in hotspot areas. The event was a great opportunity to share best practices on how as CL AME we work towards reducing the numbers of poisoning cases related to pesticides and to learn from experts in the field of clinical toxicology and public health research. The use of crop protection and biotechnology products is essential for maintaining and increasing agricultural productivity and improving farmer livelihoods on the African continent. However, this must be achieved with minimum risk to human health and the environment. To achieve this CropLife Africa Middle East, along with its member companies and associations, actively develops and promotes stewardship programs across the region. The industry recognises that effective stewardship is crucial for doing business in Africa and that it is especially important in low-income countries where regulatory enforcement may lack effectiveness.
In December, CL AME MENA Regional Director, organized a Training of Trainers of Government Officers and Companies in Amman, Jordan. The topics addressed were notably the classification of pests and diseases, Pest Management, IPM and Pest monitoring, Pesticide Classification, Pesticides regulation, registration, and monitoring in Jordan, understanding Counterfeit and illegal pesticides and consequences, Pesticide Resistance management and their causes. The training was attended by 15 (private companies) and 24 (Extension services and plant protection and phytosanitary section). Education is key as it is the seed that grows into a bountiful harvest, and through diverse programs, CL AME contributes to knowledge sharing and education.
In early October, the CropLife Africa Middle East team convened with the CropLife Egypt Board to address the vital topic of sustainable pesticide management. They engaged in productive meetings with CropLife Egypt’s stewardship and regulatory committees, deliberating on ongoing and future initiatives and charting a clear path forward.
During the same week, CropLife Egypt marked a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Egypt’s Central Lab of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food (QCAP Lab). This accomplishment underscores CropLife Egypt’s unwavering commitment to initiatives that advance sustainable agriculture, protect farmers, and ensure a safe and reliable food supply in Egypt.