The full conference agenda for this year's Agchem Forum has only been on the market for a couple of weeks but it is already attracting considerable interest.Whilst researching the event back in January a number of people set me the challenge of trying to put together a plenary session made up of the main stakeholders.
I didn’t quite manage to get them all on (next year maybe!) but by bringing together representatives of the European Parliament, EFSA, PSD and Industry I’m hoping that we’re going to get the conference underway with some lively debate.
Given the recent international press coverage on demand for food and price increases, the theme of the panel, Designing a Regulatory Policy that Balances Demand for Food and Safe Use of Pesticides, is now very much in the spotlight. I’m going to try and get some questions together for the panel before the event so if there is something that you’d like the experts to address leave a comment.
 |
An extreme example of eutrophication of the Potomac River, US, evident from its bright green water, caused by a dense bloom of cyanobacteria. Eutrophication is an increase in chemical nutrients in an ecosystem. Delegates are interested to know about the effects of agrochemicals on the environment |
Whilst researching the agenda, it became apparent just how much has happened in the areas of human risk assessments, environmental risk assessments and regulations since we last run the event. I probably spoke to over 80 people when researching and there was a lot of continuity when quizzing people on what they wanted to see on this years agenda.
In human toxicology, top of most people's lists were testing for endocrine disruption (both defining endocrine disruption and testing strategies - this also came up when researching the two other areas). The EFSA opinion on cumulative risk currently underway also means that there seems to be a need for information in this area.
Finally, people were eager to hear about developments in the field of exposure (models and guidance).
For environmental risk assessments, more and more people seem keen to find out how exposure and effect can be better linked, and any ideas that may help break down the barriers between two traditionally different areas.
 |
Apples going to waste in Murcia, Spain. EU agrochemical legislation could potentially make the production of many crops problematic |
Number one subject was the revisions to the birds and mammals guidance documents and how regulators and industry would be using the recently published guidance.
In the regulatory stream, as expected any information relating to the revision of 91-414 including proposals on criteria for active substances, comparative assessments, substitution and data protection were all rated as high interest. Something that we have done slightly different for this year is introduce a dedicated day on MRLS - Regulation food and safety in response to the hurdles or challenges that companies are facing when working with the new regulation.
After a busy few months trying to identify who the best speakers would be and securing contributions, the agenda finally finished with over 60 sessions (made up of presentations and dedicated discussion time to allow questions to be put to the experts and ideas shared). The brochure can be downloaded at http://www.agchemforum.com/
If you think that there is anything missing or are interested in participating in this or future events, leave me a note.
