From Christian Verschueren, Director General, CropLife International
In contrast to the statement in your report on the clean-up of obsolete pesticide stocks in Africa, the industry meeting on 6 June did end with firm support and commitment to the African Stockpiles Programme (14 June, p 8). It is inappropriate, however, to discuss this commitment in the press before fully informing our partners in the project. These include the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the conservation group WWF and the Pesticide Action Network UK. We will soon be announcing the full details of our commitment to the African Stockpiles Programme in terms of an increased financial contribution as well as the provision of technical expertise.
CropLife International and its member companies have been full partners in the African Stockpiles Programme since its inception and our commitment to dealing with the problem of obsolete stocks has been clearly demonstrated by the many projects that we have undertaken in Africa, mainly in partnership with others but sometimes independently.
Industry feels that for this problem to be tackled effectively, it must be tackled in partnership with others. The majority of obsolete stocks in Africa originate from local producers, or have been a result of inappropriate purchasing policies. So it is vital that the problem is tackled at a local as well as international level.
CropLife International member companies are concerned to ensure that this problem does not happen in the future. This is best achieved through appropriate and responsible business practice.
Advertisement
Brussels, Belgium
