RSB Initiates Integrated Pest Management Coalition With Other ISEAL Members

Through certification, the RSB has been contributing to the reduction of pesticide use and the elimination of the most hazardous pesticides for many years. Together with 7 other ISEAL members, the RSB has been working on a common approach to pesticide reduction. In May 2016, this coalition came together and signed a historic agreement that confirms efforts to work together towards the improvement of knowledge and sustainable use of pesticides, including the elimination of Highly Hazardous Pesticides. Specifically, we agreed to:

• Promote a set of common principles for integrated pest management;
• Seek and promote alternatives to pesticide use;
• Share strategies and techniques with each other;
• Create a common manual for training programmes and producers on worker health risks and how to use safety equipment;
• Create a common reference database with information on banned pesticides and knowledge-sharing on integrated pest management.

Elena Schmidt, RSB’s Standard Development Director, said “the coalition’s work to develop training programmes for producers and to create a common database with information on pesticides shows the important role that certification systems can play for learning and capacity building especially in a smallholder context.”