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 SPRINT has just published a report and factsheet, which explore the lock-ins and barriers surrounding a transition away from reliance on synthetic pesticides. 

This research highlights that progress towards reduced reliance and dependence on synthetic pesticides is hindered by an ongoing pesticide lock-in situation. There are many interrelated processes and direct barriers that mutually reinforce each other to limit or substantially slow down a wider transition away from a reliance on chemical pesticides. We have identified the key lock-in mechanisms and barriers across different dimensions including: agronomy and research, economics, knowledge, policy, regulation and cognition. While specific barriers may vary, many apply across different farming systems. The interaction of these mechanisms and barriers creates a complex situation. For example, the absence or high cost of biocontrol limits openness to non-chemical alternatives, while farmers have already invested substantial resources in mechanised pesticide applications. Furthermore, authorities rely on emergency authorisations, rather than considering alternatives like growing other crops or the redesign of farming systems due to the cost and effort involved.

Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/58bcm2n4

Read the concise factsheet here: https://t.co/vQLkzx5rkT

 

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SPRINT partners at the department of agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark, are advertising for a tenure track assistant professor, or associate professor in environmental soil physics. Special emphasis will be on soil functions, soil ecosystem services, soil health with focus on how to improve the soil quality, and further transport and fate of pesticides and other environmental contaminants in soil.

The deadline for applications is Nov 21st. For more information, see the advert here. 

 

Do you live in or near Nijmegen, Netherlands? Radboud University, a partner in the SPRINT project, is looking for volunteers for a study on pesticides in blood, urine and feces following exposure to pesticides at an officially approved acceptable daily intake. For more information or to find out how to participate, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 Dutch Volunteer Study eng    Dutch Volunteer Study NL

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The SPRINT team were recently lucky enough to visit the Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux, France, where we learnt about how winegrowers here are prioritising the environment through mandatory certification.

Since February 2023, growers who wish to use the reputable ‘Saint Emilion’ name on their wine have to take part in a certification process which proves that they are meeting certain environmental standards. This system is tiered, with growers able to pick which accreditations they would like to follow. Once they either reach level 2 or become fully organic, they are then able to use the prestigious name, thus making their wine more attractive to customers.

In addition, there are 6 pillars involved in the Saint-Emilion environmental approach, each of which affect, or are affected by, pesticides:

  1. Soil biodiversity
  2. Biocontrol
  3. Living landscapes
  4. Water use and quality
  5. Climate change
  6. Human intervention

Read more about the vines of Saint-Emilion here.