This regional project in Asia addressed the SPS challenge of pesticide residue violations impacting trade of key crops by increasing awareness and developing methods to overcome these barriers. By promoting an innovative approach of using biopesticides, particularly at the end of the crop growing period and by regulatory harmonization and farmer’s outreach, the project aimed to mitigate MRL export violations. This approach supports broader development goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by enhancing market access and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The project complemented two other ongoing projects in the SADC region (STDF/PG/694) and Latin America (STDF/PG/753). See also the project's dedicated webpage here.
Many less developed economies in Asia find it increasingly difficult to conform to the Codex Alimentarius – a globally recognized body responsible for setting food safety standards to help in the facilitation of international trade in safe foods – and pesticide MRLs of other trade partners. This is because these MRLs are either not established or are too low to reasonably comply with real-world use patterns. As a result, Asian trade is significantly constrained by rejections due to food safety concerns, including excess MRLs for permitted pesticides; and the presence of prohibited pesticides, quarantine plant pests and food-borne pathogens.
The World Trade Organization SPS Agreement encourages its members to harmonize or base their national measures for food safety on Codex international standards, guidelines and recommendations. Although the participation of Asian nations in the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues has significantly increased, there is no clear organized effort on how to promote the inclusion of biopesticides into integrated pest management programmes, or how they can be used to mitigate the residues of conventional pesticides that can be problematic for trade.
Integrated pest management approaches have included use of biopesticides to overcome resistance issues and the maintenance of beneficial insects. However, as pesticide residues are primarily determined by the last application, simply including a biopesticide in a rotation is not likely to result in lower residues of conventional products and will not help trade. A purely biopesticide program would result in lower residues but might not be sufficient alone to control pests or be financially viable.
This project aimed at balancing the advantages of conventional pesticides (which are generally cheaper and more effective) with the advantages of using a biopesticide at the end of the season. This resulted in lower residues while sufficiently extending the preharvest interval of conventional pest control products.
This project developed a strategic approach using non-residue producing biopesticides following conventional pesticides to overcome trade barriers. It raised awareness of biopesticides' benefits and promoted sustainable pest management, avoiding MRL issues with last-season sprays. The project systematically identified capacity gaps, enhancing countries' pest management strategies and ensuring long-term sustainability. Adopting the Train-of-trainers (ToT) model and developing functional capacities facilitated South-South cooperation, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the project contributed to data generation on crop residues, aiding informed decisions on sustainable practices. The outputs, including residue studies and policy briefs, provide a knowledge base for future activities, integrating biopesticides into national IPMs and addressing crucial agricultural pest management issues.
New MRL data and improved knowledge to interpret this data on the use of biopesticides:
The project's first result was the completion of supervised field trials and laboratory analysis for pesticide residue studies. Key activities included technical support, capacity building through ToT, developing SOPs, implementing QA systems, and ensuring proper documentation. In-person field training sessions and a four-day GLP workshop for researchers from nine Asian countries were conducted. Thailand led South-South Cooperation by training Lao PDR. These efforts resulted in 18 field residue mitigation studies and enhanced participants' knowledge.
- A substantial reduction of 50% in pesticide MRL values was showcased through the different residue mitigation studies which were conducted. Protocols developed for four major commercial crops (i.e. cabbage, sweet basil, dragon fruit, and chili pepper).
- 174 (71 females and 103 males) scientists were trained by virtual training and improved their expertise and skills in MRL data generation, biopesticide production, and regulatory harmonization, while they also strengthened their capacity to collaborate, reflect, and engage in policy dialogue that are envisioned to lead to improved technical and institutional innovation in their countries and the region
- 10 female and 8 male scientists trained in-person at Singapore Food Agency’s facilities
- The initiative prioritized Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) for technicians involved in MRL analysis, training over 40 lab officials both online and in-person, with additional support for processing equipment, such as the supply of grinders to the participating countries.
Increased knowledge and skills on improved practices to manufacture microbial pesticides:
Significant progress was made in biopesticide production through an online lecture series and practical training in Vietnam. The online course reached 63 participants (32 males and 31 females) from various countries, covering essential biopesticide production topics. Hands-on training (12 females; 7 males) focused on fungal biopesticide techniques, including isolation, screening, fermentation, and quality control. Participants also gained insights into business model development, promoting a system-thinking approach for commercialization and scaling up, thus enhancing national biopesticide governance.
Enhanced capacities for regulatory harmonization of biopesticides and biocontrol agents:
The project developed a policy document on biopesticides and a knowledge network to harmonize biopesticide regulations across Southeast Asia, enhancing regulatory capacity and fostering regional cooperation. Workshops and engagement fostered aligning national frameworks with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Guidelines on the Regulation, Use, and Trade of Biological Control Agents (BCA), improving biopesticide registration and adoption. Key achievements in Bangladesh included forming technical working groups, updating biopesticide regulations, and organizing workshops, supported by USDA funding, to address regulatory challenges and promote harmonization. A regional regulatory harmonization workshop with 54 participants (30 female and 24 male participants) was organized in Bangkok in April 2023.
Extension and outreach activities facilitated for creating awareness of and dissemination of project outputs.
- Strengthened knowledge base through MRL studies, producing eleven infographics.
- Enhanced knowledge sharing among stakeholders, blending technical and functional capacities.
- Developed a policy brief and background document for policymakers.
- Fostered awareness and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level, with the Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) engaging over 327 farmers and representatives.
- Communicated project knowledge via web, social media, and articles.
Other unexpected results
- Pakistan, which was not initially one of the STDF's project beneficiaries, was involved in the project as part of similar work implemented by CABI through a USDA-funded project. This guaranteed complementarity between the two and avoided overlaps.
- In Sri Lanka, thanks to the awareness raised through the project, authorities requested more specific and tailored support through the US Commerce Department and obtained a new two-year project.
- In Bangladesh, APAARI received collateral funding from USDA, to support phytosanitary development activities. These complemented the STDF project activities and enhanced its impact in the country.
National Study Teams
Each participating country formed a National Study Team composed of 8-10 members, facilitating successful project implementation. Team leaders coordinated efforts, actively deciding on necessary changes for crop-pest combinations. Active members of the ASEAN TWG on Pesticide MRL, the teams strengthened regional networks and collaboration, particularly, enhancing mutual understanding and information exchange.
Mentoring and Training
Capacity building was also achieved through South-South cooperation, with experienced countries training less experienced ones in GLP procedures (for example between Thailand and Laos). In-person and online training by the AAG technical team provided comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge. This included detailed guidance on GLP data recording, pest assessment procedures, and proper documentation, significantly improving the understanding and execution of field and laboratory activities.
Effective Communication Channels and adapting to country needs
The project manager maintained open communication beyond email, using WhatsApp, Line, and Zalo for regular updates. Biweekly calls with partners and national study teams ensured ongoing engagement, especially after the COVID-19 period. This flexibility in communication tools facilitated timely responses and problem-solving, contributing to the project's progression. Listening to and addressing country-specific issues in implementation ensured effective progress and collaboration.
Facilitating learning across regions worldwide
The project emphasized cross-regional learning by sharing experiences with similar initiatives in Africa and Latin America also funded by the STDF. This exchange highlighted the importance of functional capacities and collaborative networks. Proactive engagement with country partners and early planning for workshops ensured seamless participation. The integration of functional capacity development into technical training sessions, supported by ongoing post-training follow-ups, reinforced learning and application of knowledge.