THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF PESTICIDES IN THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY: THE PORTUGUESE HORTICULTURE CASE

Pesticides are used to secure yields, improve quality of food and facilitate harvesting. However, their heavy use in agriculture resulted in pest resistance, soil and water contamination and possible health problems for both farmers/operators and consumers. Development of plant protection methods has always been related to agricultural research and to the scientific system in general. Use of pesticides is now changing, following new development visions. Knowledge plays a major role in contributing to a more safe use of pesticides and reduced environmental impact. When it comes to R&D and knowledge transfer, public policies do matter. In this case study we present a general overview of the use of pesticides in the horticultural sector and of scientific and technological systems. Rural development programmes should also focus on the research and diffusion of knowledge concerning integrated pest/crop management and organic farming.