Vivian Powell of the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) mapped out work being carried out both in the UK and European Union to eradicate duplication of residue data generation.
The HDC has established a database in the UK for residues data generated in support of pesticide products on minor crops. Efforts have now extended to expanding this database for use across Europe, although until now only Germany has joined the UK in providing data, while Belgium has recently agreed to participate.
Other countries are participating in discussions, said Powell, but there is a reticence to commit funds to a pan-European project from some member states as they await the appearance of a potential EU database. The initial work carried out by Germany and the UK has already identified several areas of duplication, however.
"This database urgently requires European funding to enable widespread expansion. In the short term it is considered that this database will include reference to residues data only, but in the longer term the intention is that details of efficacy of crop safety trials should be included," Powell said.
"It is considered that the use of such a database could save considerable time, funds and reduce duplication of effort and it would be a most useful tool in the EU co-ordination process for minor uses."
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