EU-China cooperation on IPM in agriculture

Specific challenge: Native and alien pests^[1] cause increasing yearly losses to agriculture and forestry and plant production costs. Invasive alien species and new pests and diseases impact negatively on native species (e.g. outcompete), affect food chains, change biodiversity patterns and disrupt terrestrial ecosystems (including inland water bodies) and landscapes, with further impacts on economic and recreational activities. Climate change is expected to favour the permanent establishment of many alien pests and change the distribution of already established pests. The prevention of the entry, establishment and spread of new alien pests is regulated by the Directive 2000/29/EC. More environmental friendly approaches in pest and disease control are sought, in line with the Directive 2009/128/EC. Given the high costs associated with the prevention/controlling of pests and invasive alien species and the reduction of their environmental impacts, there is a need to further develop integrated mechanisms of response measures (practical solutions), ranging from prevention of entry to novel Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.

Scope: Proposals should address one of the following issue (B):

B. [2014] EU-China cooperation on IPM in agriculture

Proposals should cover a number of farming systems (including organic) and aim at increasing productivity while preserving ecosystems and reducing pesticide residues in food. Pests affecting fruits and vegetables are of particular interest, when the exchange of information, best practices and technologies is a benefit for both EU and China farmers/growers and consumers. A variety of IPM practices should be sought to address pests, such as chemical ecology, biological control agents, intercropping, planning tools for farm and landscape, etc. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation and in particular with the implementation of the EU-China dialogue, the participation (also in terms of resources) of Chinese partners in research, innovation and demonstration activities is strongly encouraged[1]. Practical solutions for farmers/growers, close to the market, should be facilitated by the involvement of industry (including SMEs) aiming at IPM related technology transfer.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of  EUR 3 million for (B) would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

         Effective solutions for the prevention and management of pests and invasive alien species;

         Scientific support to the development of relevant EU policies;

         Significant economic gains/avoided losses for the European agriculture and forestry [A] and European and Chinese agriculture [B];

         Increased product quality and lower environmental impact (e.g. lower level of chemicals, less new pests)

         Development of science-based tools for developing strategies for improving the productivity and resilience of agriculture and forestry in the context of changing environmental conditions

         Impact on a range of agricultural and forestry production and risk management practices

Type of action: Research and innovation actions

[1] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme.

[1] Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products (ISPM No5, International Standards for Phytosanitary Terms 2010; FAO, 1990, revised FAO, 1995; IPPC, 1997)