Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • The European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) welcomes the development of an International Code of Conduct for the Use and Management of Fertilizers by the FAO. EBIC considers that the Code covers an important topic that merits appropriate reflection, discussion and consultation before being launched. Therefore, the proposed timeline aiming for its adoption at the Committee on Agriculture of the Food and Agriculture Organization (COAG) 2018 is simply too short to develop a credible and comprehensive Code of Conduct for fertilizer use, particularly considering the innovative nature of the sector.

      There is significant need for improvement if the FAO is to meet its ambitious objectives it has set out for this International Code of Conduct. It is essential to broaden the scope of the Code to ensure that fertilizer use and management is placed in a holistic context of plant nutrition and soil fertility management.

      EBIC therefore calls for the adoption of the Code of Conduct to be delayed until the COAG meeting in 2020, which would leave adequate time for consideration of the draft and therefore the adoption of a workable and respected International Code of Conduct on the Use and Management of Fertilizers.

      Specific points for furhter discussion (elaborated in the attached doucment) include:

      • the role of complementary technologies
      • a more holistic concept of plant nutrition and soil fertility management that goes beyond nutrient stewardship
      • The role of integrated plant nutrition and soil fertility management in contribution to adaptation to climate change.

      EBIC is available for further consultation on the Code at any time. www.biostimulants.org

      See the attachments: