Commercial biological control agents (BCA) are becoming increasingly important in modern, sustainable agriculture. They have gained attention of developing and emerging country agricultural administrations because of their relatively low toxicity to man and environment, potential for local production, and compatibility with smallholder farming, which is the predominant form of agricultural production in Southeast Asia. The present text builds upon and refers to previous efforts undertaken by various stakeholders to work towards increased application of BCA and regulatory harmonisation in AMS. Reference is made to: International Cooperation (GIZ), which developed guidelines for data requirements for BCA from 2007-2010 in collaboration with government representatives (DOA) from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. With regard to microbials and semiochemicals, comments by the participating countries on the relevance of specific requirements are also included. • A project conducted under guidance of FAO, which developed guidelines for harmonisation With consumer and environmental pressures resulting in an intensified regulatory environment, the crop protection landscape appears now to be changing rapidly. For example, the European Commission has implemented new regulations (Plant Protection Product Regulation EC/1107/2009, Sustainable Use Directive, Water Framework Directive) that “could result in the withdrawal of some chemical pesticides currently available and in mandatory application of IPM techniques as from 2014” (10). This heightened regulatory pressure is a direct consequence of early inappropriate use of pesticides; the subsequent political trends can be said to date back to Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (05), but have been increasingly intense over the last two decades. Although there has been widespread enthusiasm for the use of BCA in ASEAN countries, widespread use (and misuse) of synthetic chemical pesticides continues to dominate agricultural production. The ASEAN Biocontrol for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Project has brought together experts from nine AMS, who have presented their experiences with regard to the regulation of the various BCA types with regard to biocontrol methods against major pests of rice, vegetables and fruits. These national experiences were compared and amended in light of other international regulations and scientific data. One of the objectives of the project has been to stimulate discussion among AMS and set a framework for implementation of BCA and, if possible harmonisation of regulation (Chapter 4). We also look beyond regulation to trade issues and pest management policies: all of which have an 11 1 Introduction 1.1 Project history, terminology & stakeholders • The “Commercialisation of Biopesticides in Southeast Asia” programme of the German of registration requirements for biopesticides among seven Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). Besides minimum data requirements for botanical pesticides and microbial control agents, the document also provides guidance on administrative procedures.
Implementing Biological Control Agents in the ASEAN Region
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