Prof. Vögele's presentation reflected the scientific perspective on how crop protection could be achieved while decreasing the use of chemicals. He briefly reviewed the historical development of crop protection and the resulting consequences. He then presented insights into the various disadvantages that a complete ban on all plant protection products would entail and thus referred to alternatives to classic plant protection products, the development of which has been taken up in various scientific studies in recent years, particularly in the NOcsPS project.

"More plant protection with less pesticides ... is feasible!"

He concluded by recommending "Integrated Pest Management plus," a combination of methods in which chemical pesticides are limited to the minimum necessary while prioritizing biological, biotechnological, plant breeding, and cultural measures.