The IPM Conference 2024 was held in Brussels, co-organized by the IPMWORKS and IPM Decisions projects under the H2020 program. The event served as a critical platform for stakeholders across the agricultural sector, uniting farmers, advisors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss innovative approaches to Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
IPMWORKS, a pioneering EU-wide network, was at the forefront of the discussions, showcasing its success in reducing pesticide reliance across farms in Europe. By integrating the five pillars of IPM – prevention, monitoring, decision-making, non-chemical methods, and the responsible use of pesticides – IPMWORKS has demonstrated that a holistic approach to pest management is not only feasible but also cost-effective.
Complementing this, the IPM Decisions platform provided attendees with insights into its decision support systems. These tools are designed to empower farmers and advisors with data-driven insights, helping them make informed decisions that minimize unnecessary pesticide applications. Researchers attending the conference also explored the platform’s specialised dashboards, which allow for the evaluation, comparison, and development of tailored IPM solutions.
The conference featured testimonials from farmers and advisors who have successfully implemented IPM strategies, offering practical solutions and success stories that underline the potential for widespread adoption of IPM across Europe.
In addition to the IPMWORKS and IPM Decisions initiatives, the conference provided a spotlight for the AdvisoryNetPEST project, which was presented during the event. This new project aims to enhance EU advisory services and foster knowledge sharing to further reduce the use and risks of pesticides. AdvisoryNetPEST’s objectives include developing an EU-wide network of advisors, promoting novel approaches to pest management, and training advisors to scale these innovations across Europe.
The inclusion of AdvisoryNetPEST in the conference provided an excellent opportunity to explore synergies with IPMWORKS. Discussions focused on how AdvisoryNetPEST could build on the foundations laid by IPMWORKS, particularly in scaling up successful strategies and ensuring the continuity of pesticide reduction efforts across the EU.
The IPM Conference 2024 underscored the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing in achieving the EU’s pesticide reduction targets, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable agriculture in Europe.
