Kennisimpuls Groene gewasbescherming (BO-43-208.02-002, BO-43-102.02-001, BO-43-011.06-008)

This projects comprises a set of two coherent “Knowledge boost initiatives” (Kennisimpulsen), which both directly support the policy goals of the “Mission on transition to circular agriculture” of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality. The Knowledge Boost “Sustainable cop protection” (Groene gewasbescherming) aims to facilitate a speed-up of the transition to a more sustainable crop protection while the current strong international position of Dutch agriculture is maintained. This research results in four prototypes of innovative cropping systems which successfully make use of all opportunities to making farming more sustainable, from innovative techniques to agroecological principles (time horizon 2030). In four case studies (arable farming, lily, apple and strawberry) researchers develop new systems in close interaction with farmers. Representatives from various market-chain parties and from other knowledge centres are involved as members of advisory groups. The aimed new cropping systems will be markedly less dependent on chemical crop protection. Plant protection products listed on the EU-list of “candidates for substitution” will not be applied. The resulting prototypes may be further tested and brought into practice by public-private programmes.
            The Knowledge Boost on Pollinators (2017-2022) aims to enhance the efficacy of initiatives for the conservation and stimulation of pollinator communities and the pollination services they supply. Via a combination of creating, integrating and sharing knowledge, this programme delivers a toolbox containing hands on guidance for various actors (on farm, regional and (inter)national level) allowing them to meaningfully contribute to the main goal of the Dutch National Pollinator Strategy: the stimulation and sustainable conservation of pollinators and pollination services by the year 2030. ‘Learning networks’ both at farm and regional scale perform a central role, yielding a platform for the implementation and testing of innovative measures, for gaining insight in critical determinants of success or failure of pollinator initiatives, and for targeted sharing of guidance on both social and ecological topics that allows actors to contribute more effectively (e.g. a helpdesk, webtools, roadmaps).