The Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) considers reduced reliance on pesticides as a principle element of its focus on Sustainable Production Intensification and Pesticide Risk Reduction. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes have demonstrated that pesticide use can often be reduced considerably without affecting yields or farmer profits.
Preventing the spread of pests saves crops and reduces the need to use pesticides. Through the International Plant Protection Convention and the EMPRES Plant Health programme, AGP assists in preventing the spread of plant pests and diseases.EMPRES Plant Health comprises programmes on Migratory Pests and Wheat Rust.