In line with the "Farm to Fork" strategy, EU member states have committed to reducing pesticide use by 50% by 2030 – an ambitious goal that requires radical changes in practice. However, the transition to sustainable crop protection methods is rarely easy. To assist farmers, researchers from institutions including ETH Zurich and Aarhus University have developed a framework that combines agronomic and economic perspectives. The goal is to create a deeper understanding of what motivates farmers and how policy decisions can best support them. 

How the new framework works 

The SUPPORT framework is based on extensive literature reviews and empirical analyses and is developed with three central focus areas: 

1. Indicators for use: How do we measure success? Not just by the number of farmers switching to sustainable methods, but by the actual environmental and health effects achieved. 

2. Behavioral factors: What social, economic, and psychological factors drive farmers to choose – or reject – sustainable methods? 

3. Policy analysis methods: How can we better predict which policy measures will create the greatest change? 

Four key steps towards a sustainable future 

Researchers have identified four key factors that can strengthen the development of future policies and practices: 

• Holistic solutions: Sustainable crop protection often requires a combination of methods, such as biological control, mechanical weed control, and resistant varieties. Policies should reflect this complexity. 

• Effect-based indicators: Instead of focusing on how many use a method, we should measure the effect – e.g., reduction of risks associated with pesticide use. 

• Behavioural insights: Farmers' choices are influenced by factors such as risk tolerance, time pressure, and social networks. These should be considered in future measures. 

• Improved analysis tools: New methods must account for complex decision-making processes and provide more accurate assessments of policy initiatives. 

A new approach to policy and practice 

The researchers behind SUPPORT advocate for a holistic approach involving all actors in the food chain – from farmers to consumers. Economic incentives such as subsidies can make sustainable choices more attractive, while nudging can ease the transition. At the same time, better monitoring, databases, and indicators are needed to document the real benefits of sustainable methods. The project has garnered significant attention from the EU Commission. 

From research to action 

SUPPORT's work demonstrates how scientific insights can be transformed into practical solutions that strengthen both the environment and farmers' economies. By focusing on effects and human factors, it becomes possible to design policies that support a greener and more sustainable future for agriculture.