| Research question: Soil-born quarantine organisms are causing more and more problems in the Netherlands. Cropping and export of seed potatoes, flower bulbs and other plant material is threatened by the existence of quarantine organisms. The fyto-sanitary policy aims to prevent introduction and spread of these organisms. The crop protection policy also aims on prevention, being the most crucial point of integrated crop protection (crop rotation, varieties). Results of research projects point out that the control of quarantine organisms should be possible with integrated crop protection measures. However, farmers do not in all cases work according the principles of integrated crop protection, mainly due to the direct financial consequences of a wider crop rotation or complex measures for farm hygiene. These consequences are often bigger than the risk of quarantine organisms and the consequences of the identification of such organisms on a farm. The product chain has a different position: The financial risks of a quarantine problem do have enormous consequences for the product chain and the export. This will on long term have consequences for the farmers as well. The problems are complicated by various developments in agriculture: The rent of land for flower bulbs, seed potatoes and vegetables is a main cause for problems with quarantine organisms, because the responsibilities for the soil quality are divided over more individuals. There is a need to know - if integrated crop protection measures are sufficient to prevent problems with quarantine organisms;- how farmers are dealing with integrated crop protection measures, and the consequences for the risks on farm, chain and sector level;- solutions on farm, chain and sector level for the dilemmas between integrated crop protection and fyto- sanitary policy. Aim of the project: The project explores if integrated crop protection leads to dilemmas with the control of soil born quarantine organisms. Besides the identification of dilemmas, suggestions for solutions are formulated, including an indication for support of the sector. Products: project report article in a journal (Gewasbescherming) 4 meetings with farmers, chain partners and policy makers, related to 2 cases |
