Does RNAi-Based Technology Fit within EU Sustainability Goals?

Elena Baraldi,Gijs Kleter,Bruno Mezzetti,Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning,Guy Smagghe

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.11.008

Elena Baraldi, Gijs Kleter + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.11.008

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Abstract

European Union (EU) and global sustainability policies emphasize the need to replace contentious pesticides with safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to ensure sustainable food production. However, R&D for alternatives to contentious pesticides are lagging behind and need to be broadened. Here, we discuss how RNAi-based technology can contribute to pesticide risk reduction.

Highlights

European Union (EU) and global sustainability policies emphasize the need to replace contentious pesticides with safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to ensure sustainable food production
The report concluded that one prevalent shortcoming across the board was the lack of assessment of the actual implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) practices, while there was an upward trend in non-chemical, low-risk, and basic active substances, and it concluded that the R&D basis for such alternatives should be broadened
The European pesticide and biopesticide producers’ organization (European Crop Protection Association; ECPA) recently pledged to support these with various commitments focused on innovation, sustainability, and health, including a €14 billion investment in the development of precision agricultural techniques for the more targeted application of pesticides, and of natural biopesticides with favorable IPM characteristics, complementing other pesticidesiv

Summary

Introduction

European Union (EU) and global sustainability policies emphasize the need to replace contentious pesticides with safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to ensure sustainable food production. The European pesticide and biopesticide producers’ organization (European Crop Protection Association; ECPA) recently pledged to support these with various commitments focused on innovation, sustainability, and health, including a €14 billion investment in the development of precision agricultural techniques for the more targeted ( reduced) application of pesticides, and of natural biopesticides with favorable IPM characteristics, complementing other pesticidesiv.

Results

Conclusion