Push-back on chemicals for crop protection is increasing from legislators, consumers and supermarkets.
Although the range of biological products to use instead is expanding rapidly, farmers still lack the knowledge and confidence to use them, while regulators are holding back progress on more advancements.
At a Woolworths suppliers' day held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, in April, the supermarket group outlined its goal to have all fresh produce attain a zero residue status by 2035. This requires a more considered use of crop protection than the current system of maximum residue levels (MRLS), where products can still leave residues as long as they are within prescribed amounts.
This story is from the 10 May 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the 10 May 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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