The diversity of crops in the plant reproduction material sector is immense, and correspondingly the number of pests, diseases and weeds. In order to comply with the demands of clean and pure plant reproduction material it is essential that a broad and effective range of crop protection products is available. Plantum therefor lobbies for favourable legislation. But we also do our own applications for authorisation of the required crop protection products. Theretofore Plantum co-operates intensively with the crop protection industry and growers organisations. Plantum is also one of the initiators behind the knowledge network Expert Centre for Speciality Crops.
 
Covenant sustainable crop protection
The covenant sustainable crop protection strives for a reduction of the environmental burden of crop protection products by 95% in 2010 compared with 1998. Partners in this covenant are the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I), the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment (IenE), LTO Nederland, Nefyto, Agrodis, VEWIN, the Association of Regional Water Authorities and Plantum.
 
Principles of Plantum within the covenant are:

1. Producing high quality and clean plant reproduction material.
2. Reducing the environmental burden of crop protection products is a chain matter. 

Plantum has outlined this position operationally in nine, specific goals in her plan ‘Kansrijk beginnen’ (pdf, 275KB, Dutch). Progress is reported annually, as well as the plans for the next year.
 
The covenant is effective up to and including 2010. The results of the crop protection policy of the government, including the covenant, are currently evaluated. Based on this evaluation and new European legislation a subsequent policy will be formulated.
 
Further information about the Dutch crop protection policy can be found on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I, Dutch). The website www.gewasbescherming.nl (Dutch) also provides plenty of information about crop protection.
 
Dutch crop protection legislation
The admission, marketing and use of crop protection products and biocides in the Netherlands is regulated in the crop protection products and biocides act (Dutch). This act determines how and under which conditions crop protection products can obtain regular authorisation and admission. The options for specific situations are also outlined, such as minor uses and derogations. Where necessary, Plantum uses these provisions. The act also defines the possibilities for the import and export of treated seed.
 
European crop protection legislation
The highly international character of our industry calls for swift harmonisation of the authorisation of crop protection products in the EU and the free trade of treated seed. The new European Directive on plant protection production, that will take effect from 14 June 2011, is a major step towards further European harmonisation. Plantum is committed to ensure that the elements crucial for our sector will be embedded in national legislation.
 
Plant breeding and propagation industry and environmental issues 
Much of the environmental policy and regulations for the primary production sector are also applicable to companies active in the domain of plant reproduction material. The most important issues are the emission of fertilizers, crop protection products and other substances that burden the environment, energy consumption and CO2-emission, nuisance caused by light and noise and the environmental burden caused by packaging materials. In many respects the plant reproduction material sector resembles the primary production sector, so a joint lobby for practical regulations can be organised. Where necessary, Plantum draws attention to specific points of concern for our industry.