Vietnam has made great strides in pesticide management.

Improving the management system of pesticide packaging

Assessing the current management of used pesticide packaging and agricultural plastics in countries around the world, Dr. Andrew Ward - Stewardship Director, CropLife International emphasized: In 2023, the global pesticide packaging recovery rate will reach approximately 66%. As far as we know, this is a high recovery rate compared to other manufacturing industries. However, we are still not satisfied with this figure and are looking for ways to build new packaging management systems as well as improve the efficiency of existing systems. Experience sharing plays a very important role in this issue.

According to Dr. Andrew Ward, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and advances in pesticide packaging management will directly impact management, thereby increasing the scale and effectiveness of the Pesticide Packaging Management System. It can be seen that, globally, EPR provides industries with a legal context to support the collection of used packaging.

Dr. Andrew Ward - Stewardship Director, CropLife International emphasized: In 2023, the global pesticide packaging recovery rate will reach approximately 66%.

We support the consideration of a specific mechanism for the management of pesticide packaging, which carries a certain level of risk and is different from the management of other types of plastic waste. In addition, the EPR fee contributed by the pesticide industry could be allocated to establish a Packaging Management System, which many countries around the world are applying to manage plastics in agriculture. There have been many advances in packaging management over time, including innovations in farmer communication, sorting machines, crushing machines, and most recently, improvements in mechanical or chemical recycling techniques," Dr. Andrew Ward emphasized.

Vietnam's progress in pesticide management

Meanwhile, assessing the current status of plant protection management in Vietnam, Dr. Tan Siang Hee - Executive Director of CropLife Asia emphasized: Vietnam is one of the world's leading rice exporters, so agricultural practices in the country, including pesticide management, also receive great attention. Pesticide packaging and residue management is an important issue, requiring attention and persistent efforts not only in Vietnam but also in other countries in the region and around the world.

In recent years, Vietnam has made positive strides in its approach to pesticide management. Recently, CropLife Asia has collaborated with the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF). The Memorandum of Understanding emphasizes the commitment of the parties to enhance pesticide management practices, with a particular focus on promoting responsible pesticide use, raising farmer awareness, and developing post-use packaging collection systems.

According to Dr. Tan Siang Hee - Executive Director of CropLife Asia, Vietnam has made positive steps in its approach to pesticide management.

“We are also actively promoting solutions such as the Empty Container Management (ECM) program, which focuses on the safe treatment and recycling of used pesticide packaging. However, sustained efforts to improve the regulatory framework, strengthen public-private partnerships and promote on-the-ground training for farmers remain key to preventing the negative impacts of improper pesticide use on the environment and ensuring the sustainability of Vietnam’s agricultural sector,” said Dr. Tan Siang Hee.

According to Dr. Tan Siang Hee, Vietnam's system of legal documents on the management of pesticide packaging, stipulated in the Law on Environmental Protection, Decree and Joint Circular No. 05/2016/TTLT-BNNPTNT-BTNMT, has demonstrated the Government's strong determination to manage and handle packaging responsibly. This is an important step forward in the effort to address environmental issues arising from the improper use of pesticides, through the provision of specific requirements for the collection and treatment of used packaging.

According to Dr. Tan Siang Hee, to effectively implement these regulations, Vietnam needs to address a number of current limitations, including implementing awareness raising activities and training farmers on how to properly handle packaging, increasing farmers’ access to collection points, and developing mechanisms to encourage public participation.

In addition, promoting public-private partnerships, such as the collaboration between the Government and CropLife Vietnam, is also crucial to address the above issues by promoting innovative solutions and expanding access to farmers. These efforts will be important factors in achieving sustainable progress in packaging management in the coming time.

Packaging pesticides at Loc Troi Group's factory. Photo: KN

The Executive Director, CropLife Asia also has some recommendations for regulatory agencies in Vietnam as well as other countries around the world, specifically as follows:

First, improving the legal framework : The Government should consider strengthening existing regulations and ensuring that these policies are consistent with international good practices on pesticide packaging management, including issuing specific guidelines on the safe collection and disposal of packaging.

Second, develop infrastructure for the collection and treatment of post-use packaging : Establish accessible collection points, especially in rural areas, and build appropriate and efficient disposal facilities to limit improper disposal and environmental pollution.

Third, promote Public-Private Partnerships : Governments should actively engage with the private sector, including organizations like CropLife, to leverage expertise, resources and technology. This collaboration will accelerate the development of innovative, environmentally friendly solutions and ensure effective enforcement of regulations.

Fourth, build awareness campaigns : The government needs to continue investing in farmer education programs that emphasize the importance of proper packaging disposal, thereby promoting programs that teach responsible, safe and effective pesticide use, such as the Post-Use Packaging Management (ECM) initiative that has been successfully implemented in some areas.

Fifth, encourage participation : Apply mechanisms to encourage active participation of farmers and stakeholders in the process of collecting and recycling used packaging to improve the effectiveness of the Program.

Finally, the core issue that needs attention is ensuring sustainability. To ensure this, Vietnam, like other countries in the world, needs to develop the agricultural sector while prioritizing environmental protection and responsible pesticide management.

Source: https://danviet.vn/viet-nam-da-co-buoc-tien-vuot-bac-trong-quan-ly-thuoc-bao-ve-thuc-vat-20240926181100263.htm