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On the definition of pesticide-free crop production systems

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  • Finger, Robert

Abstract

Pesticide-free but non-organic production systems have been recently introduced in public and private programs in Europe. However, a key challenge is to define what ‘pesticide-free’ comprises and means. This paper aims to give insights in and critical reflections on the definition and regulation of pesticide-free crop production systems in real-world programs. To this end, we review four examples of public and private pesticide-free production programs in European crop production (i.e. from France, Germany and Switzerland). Our analysis reveals several semantic and regulatory inconsistencies and potential confusion that exists around the term pesticide-free crop production, i.e. we find that it is far from clear-cut what pesticide-free production systems are. For example, programs differ with respect to which part of the crop management cycle is regulated. Moreover, all programs offer various exceptions for pesticide use. Definitions and regulations differ widely across case studies. For example, to participate in governmental programs on pesticide-free production farmers in one country have different requirements than in another. Moreover, governmental regulations not match with those in private programs and vice versa. Pesticide-free production programs can be a useful and viable addition to European agricultural and food systems. However, based on the here presented insights, we formulate eight recommendations for policy and industry how to clarify, align and harmonize pesticide-free crop production.

Suggested Citation

  • Finger, Robert, 2024. "On the definition of pesticide-free crop production systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:214:y:2024:i:c:s0308521x23002494
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103844
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carola Grebitus & Ellen J. Van Loo, 2022. "Relationship between cognitive and affective processes, and willingness to pay for pesticide‐free and GMO‐free labeling," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 53(3), pages 407-421, May.
    2. Tania Runge & Uwe Latacz‐Lohmann & Lena Schaller & Kristina Todorova & Carsten Daugbjerg & Mette Termansen & Jaan Liira & Fanny Le Gloux & Pierre Dupraz & Jussi Leppanen & József Fogarasi & Enikő Zita, 2022. "Implementation of Eco‐schemes in Fifteen European Union Member States," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 21(2), pages 19-27, August.
    3. Möhring, Niklas & Finger, Robert, 2022. "Pesticide-free but not organic: Adoption of a large-scale wheat production standard in Switzerland," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    4. Mack, G. & Finger, R. & Ammann, J. & El Benni, N., 2023. "Modelling policies towards pesticide-free agricultural production systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    5. Finger, Robert & Möhring, Niklas, 2022. "The adoption of pesticide-free wheat production and farmers' perceptions of its environmental and health effects," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    6. repec:dau:papers:123456789/7520 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Elmiger, By Noëmi & Finger, Robert & Ghazoul, Jaboury & Schaub, Sergei, 2023. "Biodiversity indicators for result-based agri-environmental schemes – Current state and future prospects," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    8. Emmanuel Raynaud & Loïc Sauvée & Egizio Valceschini, 2009. "Aligning branding strategies and governance of vertical transactions in agri-food chains," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 18(5), pages 835-868, October.
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