Objectives

The primary objective of this conference is for participants to adopt/promote innovative integrated pest management (IPM) technologies in their countries. The other objectives are:

To bring together communities dealing with different IPM aspects including biopesticides to deliberate on recent advances in scientific, technological, and regulatory areas to promote sustainable productivity in agriculture and safe food production;
To review and assess IPM models related to biofertilizers and biopesticides (B&B) and formulate strategic action plans for promoting successful models and best practices in member countries; and
To contribute to sustainable productivity in agriculture and the national food security of member countries.

Background

The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has had negative impacts on human health, food safety, the environment, and natural resources. Excessive or improper use of chemical compounds can cause irreparable damage. IPM means the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and
subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment. It is an ecosystem approach to crop production
and protection that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of chemicals. IPM programs can significantly reduce the risks related to pesticides while improving the quality, health, and welfare of the environment. The adoption of IPM strategies leads to economic benefits through sustainable development, increased productivity, and reduced pest damage to crops.

The integrated use of biopesticides lowers the overall environmental costs of crop cultivation in the long term and contributes to cleaner, greener production by reducing the need for agrochemicals. The potential of IPM is not properly realized in many Asian countries due to a myriad of factors, including inadequate deployment of high-yielding crop varieties, harmful pesticide regimes, inappropriate agricultural policies, biased global trade policies, lack of market information, and poor rural infrastructures. Some Asian countries have adopted IPM as the official national crop protection policy but there is no framework for resource allocation to support widespread promotion of research and training in IPM.

This conference will provide a platform for leaders from the public and private sectors and NGOs as well as senior academics, entrepreneurs, and consultants to review the latest scientific knowledge and technological breakthroughs in and future prospects for the use of biopesticides and IPM in agriculture to identify sustainable solutions and promote productivity in agriculture. It will encourage partnerships and participation in the identification, analysis, advocacy, and follow-up of agricultural policy issues as well as public awareness of the effect of pests and diseases on food security and the environment.

Scope and Methodology

The four-day conference will consist of plenary thematic sessions with experts' presentations; sharing of country experiences on government policy, regulations, and procedures governing the use of B&B from other countries; IPM and B&B applications for current primary pests and plant diseases; panel discussion; and field/company visit(s).

Organizers

Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Council of Agriculture (Taiwan)

China Productivity Center (Taiwan)

Workshop Presentation and Papers

List of presentations