EGYPT – Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture has taken a significant step toward safer pesticide use with the introduction of the “Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework” (SPMF).

Launched by Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk, this initiative, developed in partnership with CropLife Group and the Agricultural Pesticides Committee, aims to address widespread challenges surrounding pesticide use, counterfeiting, and environmental impact.

“With around 10,000 tonnes of pesticides used on Egyptian agricultural lands annually, it’s essential to enforce safety measures,” Farouk stated.

According to the minister, Egypt’s consumption is part of a global market where nearly 7% of pesticides are counterfeit, posing serious health and environmental risks.

Farouk outlined strict measures to regulate pesticide registration, emphasizing the importance of field testing within Egypt’s agricultural conditions.

“No pesticide will receive approval without undergoing extensive testing for safety and effectiveness under local conditions,” he added.

The Ministry’s efforts also include physical and chemical standard checks, impurity testing, and safety assessments to ensure minimal risks to human health and the environment.

Over the past three months, the ministry’s monitoring campaigns identified 157 violations, leading to the seizure of 65 tonnes of unauthorized and banned pesticides. Farouk stressed that this initiative goes beyond regulatory enforcement.

“Reducing the use of chemical pesticides by half by 2030 is our target, with biopesticides serving as a safer alternative,” he said.

The Ministry also launched the 2024 edition of the “Technical Recommendations for Pest Control,” a guide provided to agricultural cooperatives and available online. Over 2,000 copies have been distributed, offering up-to-date practices for pest management while supporting Egypt’s National Program for Monitoring Pesticide Residues.

Through laboratory tests, the program checks residue levels in fruits and vegetables to ensure they meet safety standards.

To further address safety concerns, Farouk detailed the ministry’s plan to increase the number of certified pesticide applicators. “With over 25,000 applicators trained to date, our goal is to have 50,000 professionals equipped to monitor pesticide use on agricultural lands,” he said.

These applicators help minimize risks associated with counterfeiting while supporting sustainable practices in Egypt’s agriculture sector.

Farouk also highlighted efforts to train and develop skills in agricultural pest control. “This year, we’re conducting 148 training programs across 16 certified centers to help young people build skills essential to Egypt’s agricultural future,” he noted.

These programs offer self-employment to around 1,000 agricultural engineers annually, providing them with technical know-how and certification for pesticide retail management.

Through these training initiatives, more than 7,000 managers of pesticide retail outlets are now certified, enhancing safe distribution practices and knowledge across the sector.

The project also aligns with the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, promoting cooperation among various stakeholders to address high-risk pesticides.

The Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework, supported by CropLife International, represents a part of Egypt’s larger agricultural strategy, which includes new advancements in technology and educational programs.

“This initiative is essential for building collaboration to protect human health, ensure environmental safety, and encourage low-toxicity solutions in pesticide development,” Farouk said.

As Egypt’s fresh produce market is expected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated USD 15.64 billion by 2024, these steps mark the country’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards while boosting productivity in the agricultural sector.

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