Regulative Framework For Pesticide Control

Gero Vaagt, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome
E-mail: Gero.Vaagt@fao.org
http://www.fao.org/AG/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/

Abstract

The International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides (Code) is the world-wide guidance document on pesticide management for all public and private entities engaged in, or associated with, the distribution and use of pesticides. In particular for developing countries the Code is the core document to regulate pesticides through national legislation. It was adopted for the first time in 1985 by the FAO Conference and has been one of the first international standards on chemicals (pesticides) in protection of human health and the environment. The Code is designed to provide standards of conduct and to serve as a point of reference in relation to sound pesticide management practices, in particular for government authorities and the pesticide industry. In 1999 FAO initiated the update and revision process of the Code, following the adoption of the Rotterdam Convention in 1998 and in recognition of the changing international policy framework, as well as the persistence of certain pesticide management problems, in particular in developing countries. In November of 2002 the Revised Version of the Code was approved by FAO and provides an up-to-date standard for pesticide management. The Revised Version of the Code embodies a modern approach, in line with other international agreements and leading to sound management of pesticides which focuses on risk reduction, protection of human and environmental health, and support for sustainable agricultural development by using pesticides in an effective manner and applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. It incorporates the life-cycle concept and it is applicable to all pesticides used in agriculture, public health or elsewhere. The implementation of the Code is supported by technical guidelines and other guidance materials. An electronic version of the Code is available under http://www.fao.org/AG/AGP/AGPP/Pesticid/. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.