The chemistry of pesticides—Their metabolism, mode of action and uses in crop protection: Edited by Kenneth A. Hassall, MacMillan Press, London, 1982, 372 pp., £30 H/C, £15 PPR

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Sustainability is a term which is frequently used — and even abused. Since the Rio Earth Summit, it has been recognised as encompassing three interdependent dimensions: economic impact, social needs and the environment. This paper considers the role of chemical crop protection in sustainable agriculture in Western Europe. It discusses the contribution of industry, both as a provider of products and as a responsible partner for stakeholders, such as farmers, food processors, food retailers and regulatory authorities. A conceptual and factual framework is proposed which reconciles the various elements of sustainable agriculture and chemical crop protection. It concludes that sustainable crop protection is a challenge but is feasible if all players contribute their share.