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European and global food production face major challenges which call for impact assessments and coordination of knowledge, innovation and transformation.

Our current cropping system is highly dependent on inputs of chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers, with a negative impact on human health and the environment. The systems are also vulnerable to long and broken supply chains, climate change and pest outbreaks. Cropping needs to become more robust, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

To make cropping sustainable, it is paramount to maintain plant health and minimize crop losses due to pests, diseases and weeds. Fewer and fewer chemical pesticides are available to the farmers as they are phased out and few new reaches the market. No new modes of action of pesticides have been discovered (none since 1994), and pests and weeds are ever more resistant to available pesticides.

Ambitious plans are put in place for decreased pesticide use and risks, such as the EU Farm to Fork strategy. These shifts pose challenges, but also open opportunities for productive, competitive and sustainable food production.