Management of Pesticide Residues in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture requires the maintenance of the natural resource base and the economic viability of agricultural production. The use of pesticides may contribute to sustainability provided the pre-registration risk assessments pass the hurdles of safety for public health, the environment and trade. Post-registration monitoring should confirm the pre-registration assessment, but we should be alert for unanticipated residues or impacts. The management of agricultural and animal industries needs special attention where land has been contaminated by previous uses of organochiorine pesticides. Production systems should be organised to minimise the extraneous residues occurring in food and to reduce dietary exposure and risks to trade.