11^th International Fresenius ECOTOX Conference "Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecotoxicology and Risk Management"

Experts met from 30 November to 1 December 2011 in Mainz/Germany to discuss new subjects in ecotoxicology

Dortmund, Mainz (Germany), 6 December 2011

Experts from the industry, research and authorities met at the 11th International Fresenius Conference "Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecotoxicology and Risk Management" in Mainz (Germany) from 30 November to 1 December 2011. The conference discussed current developments in aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology in the agrochemicals field.

The actual process of regulation of crop protection chemicals around the world is very diverse and ranges from fairly simplistic to highly complex. This reflects differing positions of economic development, political priorities and the importance of agriculture, Bernhard Johnen said (CropLife International, Belgium). But it would result in diverse experiences and decisions which can be confusing, criticised the expert.

Principles of Regulation

If communities are to respond to the global challenge together, then a global approach would be required, Johnen predicted. CropLife International has therefore analysed existing regulatory practices around the world which has led to the development of the "Principles of Regulation", Johnen explained. These principles describe the characteristics of eight recognised good regulation and nine best practices for effective registration. These are to meet society′s expectations of a regulatory system that is protective, implementable, based on informed decision making and enables orderly market access. Johnen pointed out, that the principles would provide a universal framework within which countries and regions could continue to exercise their right to choose an appropriate approach to regulation.

Differentiation in PBT-assessment

Jan Hassink (BASF, Germany) explained that the available information for plant protection products in different environmental media and under different boundary conditions (laboratory and field conditions) would allow a detailed and differentiated assessment of the actual risk, Hassink explained. Simple criteria might provide a tool to identify a potential PBT substance, however, they would be inadequate as decision and management criteria if elaborate risk assessments show safe use of a plant protection product in sustainable agriculture, the Study Director said. Adding some science and rationale, including a weight-of-evidence approach, in order to identify relevant substances of concern would be central. This procedure could be adequate to avoid imprudent and unjustified decisions, Hassink concluded.

The complete Fresenius conference documentation including scripts from all the presentations can be purchased at the Akademie Fresenius for 295,00 € (plus VAT) or here.

Contact details:

Die Akademie Fresenius GmbH
Monika Stratmann

Alter Hellweg 46
44379 Dortmund
Germany

Phone +49 231 75896-48
Fax +49 231 75896-53
E-Mail mstratmann@akademie-fresenius.de
Internet www.akademie-fresenius.com