Project Details:

Crop Protection Chemistry in Asia: Harmonized Approaches for Safety Evaluation, Regulation, and Protection of Trade

Project No.:2006-017-2-600
Start date:2006-12-01
End date:2008-12-31
Division:Chemistry and the Environment Division
Objective:
Crop protection chemistry is at a critical juncture in Asia. Large populations are supported by intensive agriculture, and there is a resulting need for reliance on agrochemicals and biotechnology for crop protection purposes. In addition to local consumption, export of agricultural products is also a major source of income for some countries within the region, with Japan and the U.S. being two of the most important export destinations. The scientific study, evaluation, and regulation of crop protection chemistry are rapidly developing in Asia, particularly with respect to product quality, risk assessment, and food residues. There is a growing desire on the part of scientists, regulators, and industry leaders in the region to consider and adopt international approaches to meet Asian crop protection chemistry needs. Some of the impetus driving this interest is the increased participation in world trade that has occurred during the past decade, which has brought new challenges to the agricultural exporting countries in the region. In the development and adoption of new approaches for crop protection chemistry, there is a need to consider lessons learned in other regions and to adapt for local use the various harmonized approaches which are now available. These include international recommendations and standards from such international bodies as OECD, FAO, and Codex as well as the recommendations of recently completed and ongoing IUPAC projects.

The primary objectives of this project are to:
  • Identify and prioritize the key regional issues related to crop protection chemistry and potential environmental impacts in Asia.
  • Facilitate exchange of information and ideas regarding harmonized approaches available for the scientific evaluation and regulation of crop protection chemistry.
  • Develop recommendations for advancement of crop protection chemistry in Asia.
    • Description:
    The first phase of the project will be to evaluate the current situation and state-of-the art with respect to Objective 1. An interdisciplinary working group, comprising experts from academia, government, and industry, will be created to facilitate this effort. Major emphasis will be placed on issues related to product quality, environmental and human safety assessment, and residues in food.

    The second phase of the project will be a workshop focused on Objective 2 which will be held in China during October 2007 to bring together the diverse regional stakeholders in crop protection chemistry from the research and regulatory communities. Co-sponsorship for this activity has already been arranged with China Agricultural University, Beijing Pesticide Society, and the Agrochemicals Division of the American Chemical Society and additional sponsorships will be sought from the China Ministry of Agriculture, CropLife China, and CropLife Asia. The workshop will include presentations, posters, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations.

    The third phase of the project will be compilation of a set of recommendations related to Objective 3 and will occur during 2008. This will be accomplished via the project working group, augmented with additional experts identified during the workshop. Conclusions and recommendations will be published in both hard copy and electronic format (web-based). It is anticipated that one or more additional IUPAC project proposals may emerge.

     Remark:
    This will be the 7th in a series of regional crop protection chemistry workshop-related projects sponsored by IUPAC since 1988. For a report and technical summary of the most recent workshop project please see the following:
    iupac.org/publications/ci/2005/2704/cc1_140205.html
    iupac.org/publications/ci/2005/2705/1_racke.html

    Progress:
    The 7th International Workshop on Crop Protection Chemistry and Regulatory Harmonization will take place Beijing, China on 9-13 October 2007.
    For more details, please contact:
    Prof. Dr. Xiongkui He
    China Agricultural University
    Beijing 100094, P.R.China
    Tel: +86 10 6273 1446 | Fax: +86 10 6218 0142
    E-mail: xiongkui@cau.edu.cn
    <www.pesticidechemistry.com>
    <www.iupac.org/projects/2006/2006-017-2-600.html>

    Chairman: