Accelerating the transition towards sustainable pest control in agriculture - introducing the SPRINT project

The use of pesticides represents a risk to human and environmental health. Recent research findings suggest exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risk of health problems, including Parkinson’s disease, reproductive and developmental issues and cancer. Pesticide pollution can also affect the health of soil, damage water quality and impact biodiversity.

The newly launched SPRINT project (Sustainable Plant Protection Transition: A Global Health Approach), brings together a consortium of research institutes and SMEs from 11 European countries alongside colleagues in Argentina and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). SPRINT will develop a Global Health Risk Assessment Toolbox to evaluate the impact of pesticides on human health and their adverse effects on plants, animals and ecosystems. 

SPRINT will collect and interpret knowledge and data from across Europe to find ways to improve the sustainable use of pesticides around the world. Working with farmers and policymakers, researchers will find ways to support a transition to more sustainable plant protection. 

Professor Violette Geissen of Wageningen University, who leads the SPRINT consortium, said:

"I am excited to be starting this project, which will answer many questions of vital importance to European citizens. We have brought together scientists who have long-standing expertise to share on this topic. I am confident that we can support regulators and policymakers to make well-informed decisions to introduce more sustainable solutions to agricultural practices.  

It is not an easy time to start a new project, but the need for sustainable use of pesticides means we cannot delay. Together we are looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the EU's Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies."(2)

Press contacts – Jane Mills +44 1242714037 or Matt Reed +44 7813201807 email: jmills@glos.ac.uk

(1)  As part of the Horizon 2020 programme

(2) The European Commission launched the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies on 20th May 2020. The Farm to Fork Strategy set a target to reduce the use of pesticides by 50% and of more hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030 across the EU. No pesticides are to be allowed in sensitive areas such as EU urban green areas, helping to reverse the decline of pollinators. Furthermore by 2030, at least 25% of agricultural land in the EU will be farmed organically. 

#pesticides #agriculture #h2020 #cropprotection #arable #foodsecurity