IPM IN PROTECTED CROPS - CONCERNS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Dutch government has a coherent, long-term policy regarding attain ment of a sustainable development affecting agriculture and horticultu re, the requirements of which are very strict and will be difficult to satisfy. The growers of protected crops try to meet these requirement s by developing so-called closed growing systems. Two other approaches in the policy are a substantial reduction of the volume of pesticides used and a very critical evaluation of the pesticides permitted. In t his governmental policy, Integrated Pest Management has shown prospect s in horticulture; it will play a very important role in the near futu re but is now considered as part of the broader concept of Integrated Production Systems. The glasshouse industry is very actively developin g its own strategy to satisfy government targets and market demands fo r high-quality products produced by environmentally safe methods. The vegetable auctions have developed a policy of environmentally consciou s production which should put the vegetable industry into a strong mar keting position for its produce.