In 2018, the approval of the natural substance copper as an active substance in plant protection products in the EU was renewed for a period of seven years. Due to concerns for potential negative effects of copper fungicides on soil and water organisms, the EU authorities reduced the maximum applicable dose for copper from 6 kg to 4 kg per hectare per year. While copper with its unique properties remains essential for organic and integrated farmers to combat fungal diseases, the negative aspects of copper require ambitious efforts to minimise copper use.

To share and discuss innovative ways to keep plants healthy in organic and integrated plant protection systems, and to identify research and farm management options to further reduce the use of copper, IFOAM EU-Group, BÖLW and Julius Kühn-Institut invite you to take part at the conference.