Biological crop protection cannot replace chemical agents in the short term
Published
Invest-NL has indicated that biological crop protection cannot replace chemical agents in the short term. Farmers still often use chemical pesticides to protect their crops against diseases, insects and weeds. For this reason, the question of how agriculture in the Netherlands can use less chemistry in the future is important to many people.
Biological crop protection works with natural agents and methods. Think of beneficial insects that eat pests, or micro-organisms that keep harmful fungi in check. These methods are increasingly being researched and applied. Nevertheless, they are not always as effective as chemical agents, and the results depend heavily on the crop, the weather and the conditions in the field.
According to Invest-NL, it is therefore necessary to continue supporting the development of biological alternatives for some time. It usually takes several years before new agents and methods are tested, approved and can be used on a large scale. In addition, growers need to learn how to deploy these agents as effectively as possible.
It is therefore not yet possible to switch fully to biological crop protection in the short term. For the coming years, a combination of chemical and biological agents is likely to remain necessary. For farmers, researchers and policymakers, this means they must be patient and keep investing in new solutions.
Sources: Sterke Erven
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