The project involves 80 farmers. The objective is to stop using seed treatments in cereals and grain legumes in order to reduce the risks for the user and the life of soil, while ensuring the profitability and sustainability of production and seed production. To this purpose alternative methods and technologies will be validated by farmers, agronomic research, agricultural advisors and professionals in the seed industry. The quantitative objectives are thus a 100% reduction in the use of seed treatment products with no increase in phytosanitary interventions on the crop, a maximum tolerated economic loss of 5% and compliance with seed quality standards.
In Swiss agriculture, the process of reducing plant protection products potentially considers different uses. Experience shows that the reduction in the use of these products is primarily achieved by reducing the number of applications by spraying on the plant or on the soil. Seed treatment products are an exception, as they are applied prior and to the purchase of the seed and almost systematically, even though the active substances present potential risks for the environment resources due to their persistence in the soil, and for the user. Today, innovative methods and technologies are available. However, these need to be tested under local conditions and validated by all stakeholders in the seed sector, first and foremost by farmers. If seed treatment is now to be reconsidered, it is imperative to ensure protection against seed diseases. Any abandonment can lead to an increase in cases of bunts and smut, and other diseases in cereal crops. In addition, the cultivation of grain legumes (white lupine) is still limited without chemical seed treatment.
Scientific monitoring
