Project
IPMWORKS
The majority of European farmers still rely heavily on pesticides to control pests and diseases. The goal of IPMWORKS is to encourage adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
This is done by setting up grower networks in arable and horticulture across Europe, where green crop protection strategies are explored, applied and demonstrated. Advisors and practical researchers guide these networks (hubs). They play an important role in facilitating knowledge sharing (peer-to-peer), coaching farmers to find their own IPM solutions and organizing local demonstration activities. The project also collects Best Practices and develops training materials for advisors and farmers and horticulturists outside the participating networks. For the Netherlands, there is close connection with the 'GROEN' research program (Robust Optimal Economic & Natural Crop Protection).