Sustainable pesticide use without compromising agricultural production potential - Awareness Event in Slovenia

How can we accelerate the transition to sustainable pesticide use without compromising agricultural production potential? 

EIT Food HUB Slovenia, together with the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and the SPRINT project (Horizont EU), is organising an awareness event, in which the main topic of discussion will be the use of sustainable pesticides and how this transition can be beneficial for agricultural production. 

📆 WHEN: 28th August 2023 

📌 WHERE: Gornja Radgona, Slovenia 

Please note that this event is part of the 61st INTERNATIONAL FAIR OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD 

Pesticide usage presents significant risks to both human health and the environment. Recent research has unveiled a concerning connection between pesticide exposure and elevated risks of health complications, including conditions like Parkinson's disease, reproductive and developmental disorders, and cancer. Furthermore, the impact of pesticides extends to soil health, water quality, and overall biodiversity. The aim of this event is to explain the importance of modern technologies for crop production in an understandable way. 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN GOALS OF THIS EVENT? 

👉 to effectively inform the general public and other stakeholders about the importance of crop protection in modern agriculture 

👉 to highlight emerging trends in the field and point the way to a more sustainable paradigm for crop protection (e.g. biopesticides) 

👉 to provide insights into ongoing initiatives and upcoming steps managed by the European Commission (Revision of Directive 2009/128/EC) 

This event seeks to foster a multifaceted understanding by presenting diverse perspectives on sustainable food systems and reducing pesticide usage. To achieve a comprehensive programme, we have extended invitations to all pertinent stakeholders to share their findings and insights on this pivotal subject. 

THE PROGRAMME:

10.00-10.10    Opening address by the organiser

"How does EIT FOOD promote the transition to a sustainable food system?"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aleš Kuhar, Faculty of Biotechnology, Head of EIT Food Hub Slovenia

10.15 - 10.35    Plenary Lecture 1

"The importance of sustainable use of plant protection products in the food system"

dr. Andrej Simončič, The Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, director

10:40- 11.00    Plenary Lecture 2

"Pesticide Presence in the Agro-ecosystem"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matjaž Glavan, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Ljubljana

11.05 - 11.25    Plenary lecture 3

"Reduction of pesticide use: importance and envisaged measures in Slovenia"

Mateja Blažič MSc Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection

11.30 - 12.00    Round table and discussion

- Klemen Kaučič, ŽIPO Lenart, Agricultural and Livestock Technologist; Pesticides in practice

- Dr. Jaka Razinger, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia Innovative methods of agricultural pest management

- Dr. Tatjana Zagorc, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

- Chamber of Agricultural and Food Enterprises, director Sustainable food system in reality

- Anja Bolha, Consumer Federation of Slovenia How do consumers view pesticides