Pesticide Management Policy for South Africa.

Pesticide management policy for South Africa is a national policy with a multi-sector approach. The basic premise of this Policy is that sustainable development, built on a balanced economic growth, equitable access and long-term environmental sustainability, is fundamental to global competitiveness. This Policy provides guidelines to support the legislation and regulations on the use of pesticides. Its specific objectives are: To improve legislative framework to ensure that South Africans are better protected from health and environmental risks posed by pesticides; To encourage the development and use of alternative products and techniques and reduce dependence on chemical plant protection products; To integrate relevant international agreements and initiatives from other government departments; Increased transparency, access to information and improve public participation in the registration of pesticides.
The supply of food and the control of a variety of public health hazards will be positively impacted by the use of regulated pesticides in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. Further, human health, environmental quality and economic development will be improved through sustainable and safe use of pesticides. Agriculture will become more sustainable through the development and adoption of sustainable pest management tools and practices.
The Policy objectives can only be achieved effectively through partnerships between Government, the agro-chemical industry, farmers, Community Based Organizations, labor, non- governmental organizations, consumer groups and other stakeholders nationally and through international initiatives. Though not specifically mentioned, the policy considers it is necessary to form advisory bodies to the pesticide regulation unit to advice on policy and issues relating to the regulatory system and to monitor the system for efficiency and performance.