The first FAO Training Workshop on the establishment of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and risk assessment of pesticide residue took place in Budapest, Hungary, from 8 to 12 November 2010. Fifteen trainees participated in the workshop, thirteen of them coming from developing countries. The workshop was opened by the FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, Ms Guerrieri. The facilitators for the workshop were FAO Panel Members of the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR), Mr Arpad Ambrus from Hungary and Mr Denis Hamilton from Australia.

The objectives of this training workshop were to strengthen the capabilities of scientists from developing countries in the techniques of pesticide evaluation for the establishment of MRLs and to update their knowledge of the assessment of risks associated with dietary intake of pesticide residues.

The training workshop relied on the subject matter contained in the FAO training manual (Trial edition).  The course took the form of lectures, discussions and eight practical team exercises.

The participants fully recognized that the training was highly valued and important. The knowledge and skill which they learned from this training will be of great help to their work: at National level each country whose participant attended the training workshop will benefit from their participations, since all the trainees will now be active participants in the activities that involve international standards and the establishment of national MRL