Kuala Lumpur, 4 October 2023: Pesticides are used in agriculture to control weeds, pests, and diseases. A small percentage of these, however, have been found to be most harmful to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. They have been designated as highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). A recent stocktaking report on the use of agrochemicals in ASEAN indicated that agricultural intensification has led to the rapid use of pesticides in the region, including HHPs, which is of serious concern. These HHPs can cause acute and chronic health effects to humans and animals when present at a high level. They can also contaminate water and soil ecosystems and, in turn, pollute food production areas.
Recognizing the substantial challenges posed by HHPs to human health and the environment, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) issued a Statement to reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals for food safety, public health, occupational safety, and environmental protection on the occasion of the 45th AMAF Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, on 4 October 2023. Taking action on HHPs will reduce the potential significant harm to people and the environment.
“The excessive use of harmful agrochemicals poses significant threats to our environment, food security, and human health. It is imperative that we take immediate action to reduce their use and promote a transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agri-food system,” Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasized.
While acknowledging the advantages of pesticides in pests, disease, and weed control and protection, they should also be a lot easier to use than HHPs. AMAF agreed to build closer collaboration among the ASEAN Member States to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of HHPs in the region by setting risk mitigation measures and restricting the use of HHPs, promoting the use of proven and low-risk alternatives, sharing information on an updated list of HHPs, and improving capacity on integrated pest management, safe use of pesticides, and alternative approaches to synthetic pesticides.
By involving relevant stakeholders in deciding which are the best options for replacing HHPs can help the transition process to better succeed. All pest management tools should be subjected to risk assessment under regulations that specify how their use is evaluated. The AMAF Statement is in line with ASEAN’s effort to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. It promotes the value of producing safe, healthy, and nutritious food while safeguarding the health and safety of farmers and people as well as protecting the environment.
For further information:
Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Division
Sectoral Development Directorate
ASEAN Economic Community
The ASEAN Secretariat
Email Address: Food, Agriculture Forestry Division <NRU@asean.org>
