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1. Creating a database and
mobile app to reduce the
use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR

2. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
they access to independent and easy-to-understand
guidance on how to use them. This contributes to the
widespread use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).
Pests and diseases are a serious threat to agriculture. A threat that accounts for almost
half of all the crops lost worldwide and has led to a rapid proliferation in the use of
synthetic pesticides.
While they can be effective, pesticides can also
be harmful to the surrounding environment, to
consumers, and to farmers themselves. The United
Nations estimates that around 200,000 people die
from the toxic exposure of pesticides every year.
In developing countries, the pesticide information
that farmers have access to, if at all, usually comes
directly from agrochemical companies. Rarely have
Find out what
are HHPs
Use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture
In the news: The Indian farmers
falling prey to pesticide

3. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
Pest management is important, and sometimes
pesticides are the only option. However, pesticides
are not always used properly, especially in
developing countries, making them much less
effective and more expensive than other methods
of pest and disease control.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers an alternative approach.
The United Nations defines IPM as 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.
Responsible pest management practices
© UTZ

4. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
To that end, they encourage producers to use natural
pest control or use techniques with minimal disruption
to ecosystems. Producers are required to keep detailed
records of their use of pesticides, which are checked
during audits. Farmers and agricultural workers are
interviewed to verify this information.
Sustainability standards are concerned by the harmful effects of pesticides to people
and the environment.
The IPM Coalition
ISEAL members have come together under the IPM
Coalition to:
• Promote a set of common principles for integrated pest
management
• Seek and promote alternatives to pesticide use, and
• Develop resources and training to promote responsible
pesticide use
Read the IPM Coalition
Partnership Document

5. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
IPM Coalition members know from experience that many rural farmers and agricultural
workers have access to very little information on the pesticides they use. They are also often
unclear on which pesticides are allowed under different certification schemes, which is a
problem if they have multiple certifications.
The IPM Coalition identified the clear need to increase access to credible and
reliable information to promote alternative pest management strategies, and to
clarify which pesticides are both safe and authorised for use.
With support from the ISEAL Innovations Fund, the IPM Coalition has
implemented two projects to increase access to independent information
on pesticides, the restrictions set by each coalition members’ standards, and
integrated pest management practices.
Projects of the IPM Coalition
© 4C Association

6. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
This online database includes updated information on more
than 600 pesticides, why they’re hazardous to humans and
the environment, and the restrictions set by each coalition
members’ standards.
The database is largely aimed at technical experts on the field, who need
better independent and easy-to-use resources to increase farmer awareness
about the harmful effects of pesticides.
The IPM Coalition hopes the database will serve to phase out HHPs and
make way for integrated pest management practices.
Access the IPM
Coalition database
Project I: Creating a pesticides database
© UTZ

7. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
By March 2019, the IPM Coalition will have launched the
‘Which Pesticide?’ app, which will be usable online and
offline from computers, smartphones or tablets, and freely
downloadable from the Apple and Android stores.
The app provides information on pesticides registered by national authorities
in Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico and South Africa, highlighting the least toxic
pest control options available in those countries. The content is available in
English, Spanish and Portuguese.
The app was developed with technical field experts in mind and was produced
through a series of consultations in these countries.
Project II: Developing an application linked to the database
Read more about
this app
© UTZ

8. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
The joint implementation of these two projects has
made the IPM Coalition stronger. They are currently
designing the next project to move forward their
shared agenda.
Future steps

9. Creating a database and mobile app
to reduce the use of pesticides
PROJECT TOUR
The IPM Coalition brings together 9 ISEAL members:
The ISEAL Innovations Fund is supported by:
February 2019