25 November 2015: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) released a set of updated guidelines on legislation and labelling for pesticides. The revised ‘International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides,’ which was first launched 30 years ago, details a sound pesticide legal framework to provide a reference point for national governments that are creating, reviewing or updating pesticide legislation. The guidelines are primarily aimed at developing countries and economies in transition that use pesticides but lack proper labeling and enforcement procedures.

According to Ren Wang, FAO, the Code contributed to the development of national legislation addressing health and environmental problems that stemmed from the misuse of pesticides. Most highly toxic pesticides have since been removed from circulation, and alternative approaches to pest control have been developed in many countries, contributing to greater agricultural sustainability.

According to FAO and WHO, much more is now known about the long-term health and environmental effects of pesticides, necessitating updates to national legislation formulated in the 1980s and 1990s, to effectively protect people and the environment.

Following this update to the Code, the agencies will prioritize support to countries in capacity building and promoting integrated pest management to reduce reliance on pesticides. [The International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management] [FAO Press Release] [UN Press Release]