The Spanish Crop Protection Association (AEPLA) has stepped up its fight to drive counterfeit pesticides out of the market by setting up a new telephone hotline, allowing informants to report the use of illegal plant protection products or provide information about networks that distribute illegal chemicals.

Information gathered through the hotline will be passed on directly tothe Spanish environmental police (Seprona), and other authorities.

'The campaign emphasises the importance of not becoming complacent, because we have made progress,' said Sergio Dedominici, vice-president at AEPLA. 'Our hotline offers a very effective tool to fight the illegal traffic.'

Meanwhilein Poland, the Polish Crop Protection Association is holding the second International Conference on Counterfeit Plant Protection Products on 12-13 November in Warsaw, as a way of actively campaigning against illegal pesticides.

The conference, held in partnership with the European Crop Protection Association, brings together enforcement officials from 18 different countries to discuss combating counterfeit and illegal pesticides.

'The pesticide industry is engaged in an all out global campaign to fight counterfeit and illegal pesticides,' said ECPA anti-counterfeit campaign manager Rocky Rowe. 'However, without the full support of European institutions and national authorities, the problem will continue to pose a serious threat to consumers and the environment.'

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