The Finnish National Action Plan on Sustainable Plant  
Protection III 2023–2027 

• An initiative and a well-grounded proposal for policy makers prepared by public and private operators in the sector. 
• Disseminating information on the data requirements and approval principles for microbiological ppps to operators in the sector.
• Involving Tukes and/or Luke in the stakeholder cooperation carried out as part of the EU’s RATION project .
• Systematic testing of the effectiveness of new microbiological ppps in Finnish conditions.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Enhancing market access of new biological products replacing chemicals.

In the long term: Replacing harmful PPPs with less harmful ones, reducing health risks and environmental problems, finding solutions to completely new plant health problems.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, Luke, companies in the sector, advisory committee on plant protection
2023–2027

Three person-months

Effectiveness testing as an activity funded by applicants.

For example:

• Financial incentives to encourage the use of alternative plant protection methods; for example, preparing new incentives to boost the use of alternative plant protection methods for Finland’s CAP plan in the period after 2027.
• The economic benefits to operators and the national economy (for example, to security of supply) generated by the use of PPPs are also taken into account.
• A tax linked to the harmful effects of PPPs (Danish model).
• An environmental charge imposed on particularly harmful PPPs.
• Evaluation of the steering effects of economic steering implementation models (ecological tax/charge, financial incentives) compared to legislative steering instruments. For example, examining the administrative costs of economic steering instruments compared to the benefits generated by them. 
   

Effectiveness

In the short term: Creating understanding of the range of economic steering instruments and their feasibility in Finland compared to legislative steering. The implementation timetable is specified on the basis of the report.

In the long term: Economic steering instruments suitable for Finland are introduced if their effectiveness is considered sufficient and political support can be secured.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

MMM, YM, Ministry of Finance, Tukes, Finnish Food Authority
2025–2027

Report 4–6 person-months + implementation by government agencies

Arranging webinars and Moodle training on current topics for plant protection training providers, such as teachers in education institutions.

Effectiveness

In the short term: A list of the events offered by operators is available and information on continuing training opportunities is provided.

In the long term: Training providers keep their competence and know-how up to date.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Plant protection operators, NAP steering group, training providers, Tukes, 
2023–2027
1 person-month/year

The controls are planned and implemented on a risk basis. The controls can take the form of both document control and control visits to deal with violations and cases requiring further investigations. 
Outputs:

• Control plan for the period 2024–2027
• About 250 operators will be controlled each year.
   

Effectiveness

In the short term: The work of operators becomes more transparent, and shortcomings are addressed in a timely manner. Number of irregularities is decreasing.

In the long term: Trust in the sector and professional competence is strong, certification exams and inspections are harmonised, and irregularities in the sector are eliminated. Environmental and health risks are reduced when operators possess the required professional competence.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes as a joint effort between groups
2023–2027
Minimum time allocated to document controls 1 h/operator = 34 working days = 1.5 person-months/year; for examining unclarities or obtaining further information: 0.5 person-months/year => totalling a minimum of 2 person-months/year 

• Training students studying plant production in the Bachelor’s programme in agricultural sciences at the University of Helsinki as experts in research-based sustainable use of PPPs. Integrating research findings on the sustainable use of PPPs, its environmental aspects and the key themes and objectives of the NAP in the teaching. Using gradeable assignment to check study performance and to provide the students with motivation.
• Introducing similar IPM learning contents in other agricultural and horticultural education institutions. Teachers of education institutions who have been approved as providers of plant protection training and certifications will participate in regular continuing training (see Measure 3 above).

Effectiveness

In the short term: The Masters in agricultural sciences hired in different sectors of plant production bring to the branch latest research-based expertise on the sustainable use of PPPs.

In the long term: Masters in agricultural sciences working in different sectors of plant production are familiar with the scientific basis of the sustainable use of PPPs and relevant legislation, know where and how to monitor practices, and act as experts in the process where changes are made to the use of the products and the instructions for their use.
Decision-making is based on scientific work, which will strengthen trust in sector and the professional competence of the operators. Environmental and health risks are reduced when the operators possess the required professional competence.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

University of Helsinki
2023–2027

Annual course on the basics of plant protection for Bachelor-level students, about 25 students each year.
The teachers of the course are responsible for the implementation.

Other agricultural schools
2024–2027

Teachers of education institutions.

Arranging IPM conferences for operators in the sector on a regular basis. Sharing information on plant protection training events on an active basis. Persons taking a plant protection certification exam are required to attend at least every second training session or the IPM conference.
Investigating the option of making CAP funding available for farmer training.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Familiarity with the IPM principles provides farmers with resilience as they have access to decision-making support on sustainable plant protection based on new research findings. Close cooperation between operators in the sector. All education institutions in the sector provide more IPM training.

In the long term: The IPM register provides a basis for long-term monitoring of the implementation of IPM measures.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

KSS, education institutions, training and certification providers, advisory services, research, the authorities, users as participants

2023–2027

carried out by government agencies

Based on a legislative amendment, preparing a public information service allowing the names and required identification data of the holders of plant protection certificates to be checked in connection with the purchase of PPPs.

Effectiveness

In the short term: The vendor of PPPs can check from the information service whether the buyer is a holder of the plant protection certificate.

In the long term: PPPs are only sold to customers that know the risks and how to manage them.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, MMM
2023–2024

6 person-months, EUR 50,000 allocated to the development of the information service

Targeted provision of information on the obligation every second year. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: Small forest sector operators become more aware of the obligation to take the plant protection certification exam. 

In the long term: All forest sector operators are competent plant protection professionals.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes 
2024, 2026
0.5 person-months

The instructions will be published on the Tukes website in PDF format in the same way as on the website of the Swedish Board of Agriculture. 
Tukes will notify all parties concerned when the instructions are available.

Effectiveness

Instructions will be made available on a range of different topics, such as

1. Regular inspection and calibration of sprayers, including maintenance instructions for knapsack sprayers
2. Notifying bystanders of the application of PPPs
3. Recommendation on reducing the use in areas used by vulnerable population groups
4. Instructions for protecting organic cultivations against the release of PPPs
5. Instructions for observing the re-entry period
6. Basics of the safe use of chemicals, such as warning pictograms, interpretation of product labels and safety data sheets, and guidance in the use of personal protective equipment
7. Instructions for constructing and using biobeds
8. Instructions for filling plant protection sprayers in greenhouses
9. Instructions for protecting pollinator insects.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes.

2023–2027

1–2 person-months/guidance document

Updating the POWERBI search page for groundwater data on Syke’s MAAMET project website. Creating a similar concentration data search platform for surface waters, which will also contain background information on substances. The changes will be made in connection with the updating of Syke’s website. 
As part of the update, the website will be provided with links to Tukes website. Disseminating information on monitoring results on a regular basis.

Effectiveness

In the short term:  Monitoring data is published in a comprehensive manner. 

In the long term: 
Up-to-date information on pesticide concentrations in surface waters and groundwater can be easily found. 

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Syke, Tukes
2023–2025

Resources: 1–2 person-months/year

Planning and implementing the controls of application equipment inspections on a risk basis.
The controls may be carried out as
document checks, by attending an inspection, or by visiting the inspector’s facilities. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: 
The sprayer inspectors are competent and possess the required expertise in compliance with the requirements set out in Annex II of Directive 2009/128.

In the long term: There is strong trust in the quality of sprayer inspections and the condition of the plant protection sprayers is good. Environmental and health risks are reduced.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Jointly by supervisory and permit experts of Tukes and, if necessary, Luke

2024–2027

For example, 5 inspectors/year 
0.5 person-months/year

The register will be linked to the electronic accounting system of professional users. It will have an automatic function reminding the parties concerned of the deadline for the renewal of the sprayer inspection. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: If the proposed EU regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products (SUR) will contain a provision requiring the registration of application equipment, preparations will be taken to harmonise the register with the setting up of an accounting system for professional users.

In the long term: All electronic systems have been coordinated. Deadlines are set for sprayer inspections so that the equipment can be kept in good condition and environmental loading is reduced.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, MMM, Finnish Food Authority, Luke, IT consultants

2025–2027

Safeguard zones will be established to protect surface water and groundwater areas used for the abstraction of drinking water. No PPPs may be used or stored in these strips. The adequacy of existing measures and the need for new restrictions in the buffer strips of drinking water intake plants will be assessed. Examining the effects of any new restrictions on the use and storage. Assessing the methods of providing farmers with compensation for loss of income.  In the impact assessment, consideration will be given to the measures set out in the SUR proposal as well as the operating prerequisites and competitiveness of professional PPP users.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Producing a report and impact assessment of the adequacy of the measures and the need for additional restrictions.
If necessary, changes to the legislation and to the approval decisions, instructions for use and restrictions concerning preparations are made on the basis of the report. 

In the long term: The quality of drinking water remains good and the use of PPPs does not pose any risk to water supply in urban areas. Instruments providing farmers with compensation for any loss of income are made available. 

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, YM, MMM, Luke, Finnish Food Authority

2024–2027

Report and assessment 3–4 person-months.

Any restrictions will be drafted and introduced by government agencies.

Alternative control methods will be developed and the use of PPPs will be steered towards alternative methods on transport routes, in the rail network, in highly permeable areas and in other areas where PPPs may leak into surface waters, groundwater or sewage systems.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Based on research data, alternative control methods reducing the risks arising from the use are introduced in these areas to the extent possible. Consideration is given to the time needed to develop alternative methods. The measure is promoted through cooperation, dissemination of information and training of professional users.

In the long term: The risk of drift is reduced.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, KSS, Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Central Organization for Finnish Horticulture, Finnish Association of Landscape Industries

2023–2027

Resource requirement: The work will be carried out at government agencies in connection with information and training events.

Preparing a proposal for a harmonised procedure for determining predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) in surface waters and other relevant environmental matrices in the pre-approval processes for all (active) substances where the assessment includes an environmental assessment of such substances as PPPs and biocides and their degradation products.  In the first stage, the focus will be on direct impacts. The inclusion of secondary effects may be considered once the practices have become well-established.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Avoiding overlapping work by government agencies and Member States. PNECs could be fairly easily determined as part of risk assessments in accordance with the ‘one substance – one assessment’ principle. Harmonised PNECs for all plant protection products would help in the setting of environmental quality standards for nationally selected substances in water management. 

In the long term: PNECs would be available in such data resources as the open register maintained by the European Chemicals Agency ECHA when  higher environmental quality standards for surface waters are incorporated in the proposals for changes to water directives. In Finland, PNEC data could be linked to such resources as KemiDigi. The information obtained in this manner could  be used to interpret the monitoring data describing aquatic loading.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Syke, Tukes, YM, MMM, Finnish Food Authority, THL
2024-2027

Preparation of the initiative 2 person-months,
recording work will be carried out at government agencies in connection with risk assessments.

Preliminary study on the potential of biotreatment based on submerged wood and the restoration of ditches as means of reducing harmful effects caused by PPPs in water bodies.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Report is available.
Informing operators in the sector of the report results and, if necessary, specifying the instructions for use.

In the long term: New ways to reduce aquatic pollution.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Syke

2024–2027

EUR 35,000

A report will be prepared on the feasibility and profitability of collecting and recycling PPP packaging.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Report. 

In the long term: Launching a packaging collection scheme. More extensive recovery of plastic packaging and less plastic waste.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Suomen Maatalousmuovien Kierrätys Oy, Finnish Commerce Federation, Kaste, operators, ministries, waste management authorities
2024–2027
3–4 person-months

Outputs: 
Preliminary study on the information needs of the electronic system (2024), 
Prototype (2025), 
System launch (2026–2027)

This measure is a non-NAP responsibility of government agencies. However, as it is linked to the proposed SUR, it is thus reasonable to construct it as a NAP III measure.

Effectiveness

In the short term: An electronic system for all user groups is in place by 2027. The collection of data on the use of PPPs is automated and harmonised in the EU area. Reporting and compilation of statistics becomes easier. Regional and plant-specific breakdown of use-related data becomes easier to determine. Control and monitoring of use becomes easier.
When the system is constructed, provision must be made for integrating IPM and application equipment registers, and commercial cultivation planning software in the system so that the users only need to do minimum amount of overlapping work (2027–2028?).

In the long term: System integration is complete, the electronic record keeping system is operational, and professional users know how to correctly record uses. With the register, reporting is easy, and the aggregated data is also available to researchers.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, MMM, Finnish Food Authority, Luke, consultants, IT coders
2023–2027

EUR 3–4 million (incl. EUR 50,000 allocated to the preliminary study). 

IPM instructions for individual plant species will be prepared. Examining the need to amend the IPM decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Making the methods available through farmer cooperation, demo farms and the IPM forum. The options available to farmers can be found on the IPM portal and they include presentations of non-chemical and low-risk methods, IPM instructions for individual plant species, precision farming and measures promoting crop rotation. Developing the IPM portal as part of the electronic record keeping system (stage 2), see previous measure.

Effectiveness

In the short term: IPM instructions for individual plant species are ready and will be made available to farmers. Science-based support for farmers is easy to find, and uncertainty about the feasibility of the methods will disappear.
Achieving integration between commercial cultivation planning software, the electronic accounting system for professional users, and the application equipment register so that the users only need to do a minimum amount of overlapping work.

In the long term: Obtaining information on alternative methods and recording of IPM measures is easy. Easy data exchange through the IPM forum. Professional competence is improving. 

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Luke, Tukes, advisory services, companies, farmers, MMM

2025–2027
4–6 person-months/year for forum coordination + EUR 200,000 for developing the portal

Economic and practical aspects of plant protection, such as resistance risk management, are considered in the assessment.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Report is available. Work carried out in the EU on the development of comparative assessment methods is followed.

In the long term: Prioritising research, evaluation procedures and timetables for preparations containing active substances that are candidates for replacement. Users are informed of the potential for replacement.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes, Luke

2024–2025

Report 2–3 person-months, preparation-specific decision-making will be carried out at Tukes.
Studies will be funded by permit applicants/holders.

Making the instructions and threshold values for the key monitoring methods available in a mobile-readable format (for example, through the LukeKaskas application). Updating research data on crop impacts and costs of different pests.
Continuing the development and validation of pest prediction models and mobile applications supporting decision-making as a joint effort between research and advisory services so that new groups of pests can be added to mobile applications. Providing farmers with information on the use of the applications, testing them in cooperation with farmers, and acquiring more users for them. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: Prediction models and mobile applications for an increasing number of pests are available. The application user base is growing.

In the long term: The use of prediction models is a key part of IPM measures in most plant groups, and the application users are familiar with the models.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Luke, advisory services, Finnish Food Authority, farmers
2023–2027

Resources: 
EUR 200,000/year

Continuing the development of non-chemical and other alternatives to glyphosate applications and to other plant protection problem sectors. Ensuring the effectiveness of the alternative methods, taking into account the reduction of tillage required under the EU agricultural policy and the impacts on human and animal health and the environment. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency will monitor the development of weed control methods suited for the railway network with the help of an international cooperation network. Promoting the adoption of alternative methods through advice and training.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Luke’s JUOTVAI project is completed and its results are made available to users. New projects are launched within the framework of the available project funding. 
Preliminary study commissioned by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency on
the potential of alternative vegetation control methods will be completed by the end of 2023.
The experiences gained from European experiments will be reviewed in the document and
it will also contain interviews with key railway maintenance actors. 
The results will be made available to the users. 

In the long term: Research results will become available on the applications of alternative weed control methods, such as the suitability of hot water treatment 
for vegetation control at railway stations and similar transport locations. The methods have been made available to users through advice and training. 
The use of glyphosate and other herbicides will decrease in applications for which alternative methods are available.

Eesponsible parties, timetable and resources

Luke, universities, universities of applied sciences, VTT, Finnish Food Authority, Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, advice and training

2023–2027

EUR 100,000 for the project each year; information, advice and training will be provided on a continuous basis by government agencies.

Continuing research at cropping-system level (such as crop rotation research and functional biodiversity) in IPM and organic production.  In addition to field trials, research based on extensive data will be carried out on the long-term recording of plant protection measures by farmers. Transition to precision farming will be promoted, and the work will include the use of satellite data and adjustment of the use of PPPs in accordance with vegetation and the introduction of camera-controlled sprayers, taking into account the existing machinery on the farm. Providing information about the methods on such platforms as the IPM forum.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Research at cropping-system level is promoted. Crop rotation models for different crops in different situations becomes available. Research-based information on crop rotation models suitable for different crops in different situations will be made available.

In the long term: Plant protection at cropping system level constitutes the sustainable plant protection infrastructure and serves as the basis for sustainable production. Guided by CAP, broad-based crop rotation is in use, taking into account the special characteristics of individual farms. Precision farming methods are available to farmers.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Luke, Finnish Organic Research Institute, Finnish Organic Association, Syke, universities, advisory services, farmers, companies in the sector

2023–2027

project funding EUR 300,000/year,
Dissemination of information by government agencies and coordinated by the IPM forum

Breeding of disease-resistant forest trees. Pesticide treatments will only target the disease colonies. The resistance breeding method is only suited for certain pathogens (such as root rot) because trees are long-lived plants and resistance is easily generated.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Pesticide treatments can only be applied to disease colonies.
Decrease in forest damage, and (in the case of root rot) decrease in the use of pesticides.

In the long term: Forests will become healthier. Breeding populations of the main tree species will have better resistance against diseases.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Research institutes, universities, forest centres

Resource requirement: long-term resourcing, project funding EUR 300,000/year

In basic and applied research in organic production, work is carried out to identify comprehensive IPM-compliant management methods and preventive cultivation practices that can also effectively tackle difficult plant protection problems. The work includes research into the biological effectiveness of PPPs approved for organic production in Finnish conditions.

Effectiveness

In the short term: Research data on the effectiveness of plant protection methods approved for organic production is available.  In the long term: Funding for research into the effectiveness of preparations suited for organic production is available. The range of plant protection methods approved for organic production in Finland is growing grow.  

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Finnish Organic Research Institute, Luke, the University of Helsinki

2023–2027

Project funding EUR 300,000/year

Conferences on sharing information are held on a regular basis and in them, farmers, advisory services, research bodies and the authorities review best practices on farms as well as the results and impacts of research results and outline research guidelines for the coming years of the programme period.

Effectiveness

In the short term: A forum and events for the exchange of IPM information is available for operators in the sector. 

In the long term: Best plant protection practices are widely adopted in different types of production and they are made available to farmers. Interaction is effective and research needs are prioritised.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

ProAgria, KSS, Luke, Finnish Organic Research Institute, Finnish Organic Association, universities, other educational institutions, farmers, Tukes

2024–2027

Resources: As part of the IPM forum coordination.

As part of the research projects, advisory and training events will be arranged to make innovations available and to support co-innovation. New research data will be made available, farmers will share their experience-based knowledge and good practices will be adopted. For example, the demo farms set up as part of the IPMWORKS and Sprout and Match projects will continue to operate after the project period and become an established part of the agricultural aid system. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: The forum for joint learning is available to farmer groups, good practices are scaled up, and learning and exchange of information is on a continuous basis. Maximum use is made of existing projects, structures and resources.

In the long term: More farmers become aware of alternative plant protection methods as IPM instruments, and the readiness to carry out experiments on the basis of the examples set by demo farms will grow. Information produced on pilot farms is shared and monitored on a long-term basis, taking into account economic, social and ecological sustainability when the methods are evaluated.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Coordination is the responsibility of the IPM forum. 
Luke, ProAgria and other advisory organisations, participating pilot farms, Tukes, Finnish Food Authority, MMM, farmers

2023–2027

EUR 100,000

In addition to the mandatory EU indicator, there is also a need for a national indicator that would take into account the sales volumes and at least the harmful properties of the substances. The HRI indicator based on the EU Directive (EU) 2019/782 does not take sufficient account of harmful properties and gives misleading results.  The risk indicator is based on detailed information on the statistics and studies on the sales volumes and use of PPPs as well as on the risk profiles of active substances. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: Measures are taken to set up a framework for monitoring the progress of the risk reduction targets set out in the Field to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies.
More detailed information becomes available on trends in the use of PPPs in relation to their environmental and health risks. 

In the long term: Research-based information on the environmental sustainability of Finnish production is available to demonstrate the strengths of the production. 
By setting an example, Finland will promote EU-level transition from a political risk indicator to a research-based risk indicator.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes

2024–2025

report 6 person-months + indicator update 1 person-month/year + licenses and other purchases EUR 2,000/year

Continuing the development of the risk indicator describing the loading generated by PPPs in individual catchment areas. The statistics on the use of PPPs and the electronic system of use data will be utilised when they become available. The location and maintenance of the indicator will be jointly agreed by the parties concerned. Information on the introduction and results of the indicator will be provided and scientific publications on them will be produced.

Effectiveness

  In the short term:
More detailed information will be obtained on the loading generated by PPPs in different areas.

In the long term: With the help of the indicator, risk management measures can be specified on a regional basis as necessary.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Syke, Luke, Tukes, Finnish Food Authority
2024 (identification of funding sources) 
2025–2026 (implement-tation)

Resource requirement: 12 person-months

Statistics on the use of PPPs will be collected and a summary of the results will be published. Preparations will be made for SAIO-compliant statistics.
Measures will be taken to promote the aggregation of parcel-specific data on the use of PPPs on farms for research purposes, taking into account the data protection of individual farmers. Ongoing data collection projects will be linked to avoid overlapping work. 
The results will be reported in accordance with the requirements set by the European Commission.

Effectiveness

In the short term: In 2024, statistics will be compiled in connection with the crop production statistics and horticultural statistics produced by Luke. The statistics on the use of PPPs are freely available on Luke’s website.

In the long term: From 2026 onwards, the data will be collected in accordance with SAIO requirements. When the electronic record keeping system for professional users becomes operational, the information is obtained directly from the system in real time. Statistics for individual regions and plant species become more easily available to researchers and other parties that need the information.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Luke 

2024
2026–2027

12 person-months/year

EU monitoring guidance

National environment monitoring strategy

A national programme for monitoring environmental residues of PPPs will be prepared. 
The NAP III period will serve as a pilot phase, during which best practices are identified and measures are taken to determine where funding for more extensive monitoring carried out on a continuous basis can be obtained.

• Adequate funding for surface water and groundwater monitoring must be ensured.
• Information will be exchanged with regional ELY Centres and municipalities so that all monitoring data can be collected.
• Monitoring of pesticide residues in soil, pollen and pollinators should be started/made a permanent activity.  
• The storage location of the monitoring results should be determined in advance.  
• The collection of samples will be partially based on other monitoring schemes, such as the collection of soil fertility samples by farmers or the samples taken by research institutes and the SML as part of their pollinator monitoring projects. 
• The need for pesticide surveys of high trophic level organisms (such as birds) should also be considered. In such cases, it would also make sense to determine other harmful substances in the same organisms (such as PFAS and mercury).  

Effectiveness

In the short term, we will be able to set up a programme for monitoring environmental residues of PPPs in Finland, which will allow us to produce concentration data to support decision-making. Biota and soil concentration data can be stored in such resources as the KERTY information system maintained by Syke.

In the long term, we can determine which PPPs burden our biota, soil and aquatic environment the most. 
The data allows us to make knowledge-based decisions on such matters as supplementary risk management measures for the use of certain substances or to justify the safe use of certain substances due to the specific characteristics of the Finnish agriculture. By combining monitoring data with other background information, such as estimates of use volumes and leaching, the overall understanding can also be used in guidance and advice at regional level. 
Monitoring data will be used as a basis for the effectiveness indicator. 
Monitoring would make the impacts of the use of PPPs more transparent 
and measures could be focused on the substances with the greatest impact on the Finnish environment. 
The use of monitoring data in decision-making would increase trust in the users of PPPs and the authorities making the decisions.  

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Syke, Luke, Finnish Food Authority, Tukes,
MMM, YM, ELY Centres

2024–2027

Six person-months/year for coordination + EUR 200,000–300,000/year for analysis of samples

The indicators describing the implementation of the NAP measures will be compiled into a single package, which will be published on the Tukes website on a regular basis. 

Effectiveness

In the short term: Provision of information and awareness of the implementation of the NAP measures will become easier.
In the long term: The measures can be focused on the areas that are found to have the greatest effect in the light of the indicators.

Responsible parties, timetable and resources

Tukes and other NAP operators
 2023–2027

1–2 person-months/year

• Percentage of approved low-risk PPPs and basic substances of all PPPs.     Tukes
• The number of comparative assessments and the number and applications of substituted preparations, and where available, the sales and use volumes of substituted preparations.     Tukes
• The number of preparations requiring buffer strips to protect adjacent areas and bystanders in the register of plant protection products.    Tukes
• Changes in approval decisions and product labels of preparations containing active substances of particular concern.     Tukes
• Trends in sales of plant protection products harmful to pollinator insects.   Tukes
• The impacts of changes in the range of active substances on the quantity and quality of crops as well as on the cultivated areas of different crops.     Luke (depending on project funding)

• The number of people who have taken the certification exam required of professional users.      Tukes
• Number of licenses of training and certifications providers, complaints and control cases, and the percentage of observed violations of the total, trend.     Tukes
• The number of training and certification providers who have participated in continuing training arranged by Tukes.   Tukes
• Public information service provided as part of the operations and the inquiries on certificate holders that it has received.   Tukes

• Number and geographic distribution of licenses of authorised sprayer inspectors, results of sprayer inspector controls, trend.    Tukes
• Number of sprayer inspectors participating in virtual training each year.       Tukes
• Number of sprayer inspection certificates issued each year.     Tukes

• The number of agriculture and forestry students at the University of Helsinki who have participated in IPM studies.   University of Helsinki 
• Number of visitors to the IPM portal. Contacts and meetings on the IPM forum.   Number of plant protection co-creation projects involving farmer/farm cooperation. Summaries of the feedback received from farmers participating in co-creation.      Luke
• Number of IPM guidelines for individual plant species and/or plant groups.    Luke
• Number and users of developed and adopted pest prediction models.      Luke
• Number of IPM and organic production research projects and total project funding.    Luke, Finnish Organic Research Institute, ProAgria

• Percentage of non-compliance observed in labelling and storage of PPPs, application equipment and certification of plant protection professionals of all farms subject to PPP controls and controls of agricultural subsidies. Finnish Food Authority 
• Percentage of farms receiving agricultural subsidies that have received support for voluntary plant protection measures under the Environmental Compensation Scheme.     Finnish Food Authority
• The percentage of agricultural land included in the control of organic production and the number of organic compensation participants.    Finnish Food Authority
• Use of PPPs in agriculture per hectare of arable land as hectare portions (the information will only become available when the electronic record keeping system for professional users is operational)     Tukes, Finnish Food Authority 

• Pesticide residue concentrations in domestic plant products and drinking water   Finnish Food Authority, Syke, Finnish Water Utilities Association
• Percentage of samples below and above the MRLs in conventionally and organically produced domestic food and feed, including apiculture products.     Finnish Food Authority
• Percentage of samples below and above the MRLs specified in the Drinking Water Directive in the monitoring of surface waters and groundwater quality.    Syke
• Any exceedances of environmental quality standards or concentrations close to them identified in environmental monitoring, if possible, on a regional and application-specific basis.   Syke
• Sample volumes and observed concentrations of the active substances of particular concern in the environment and in humans. Syke, Tukes, THL
• Results of long-term monitoring.  Syke, Luke, Tukes

• Environmental and health risk index        Tukes
• Time and resources allocated to EU reporting Tukes
• Total amount of PPP packaging destined for the market as base data for the collection system Kaste