The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach plays a key role in addressing plastics pollution. Exploring standards or even mandatory EPR measures for empty containers, unwanted pesticides, and other agricultural plastics, can bring us closer to the ultimate goal of phasing out or improving the management of plastics.

Have you worked on EPR initiatives? What are the most significant enablers in the implementation of EPR solutions?

Resources to dive deeper:
? How to Implement EPR - A guide for governments and businesses https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/research/how-implement-extended-pro…
? Case example, EPR in agriculture in Canada https://cleanfarms.ca/a-snapshot-of-epr-obligations-on-ag-plastics/

Credit image: FAO

Financial institutions have the opportunity to engage in meaningful change and ensure their contributions to pollution reduction and prevention are impactful and lasting. Do you agree?

Pollution risks in the agriculture sector span a wide range of environmental and social issues, including:
❌ Regulatory risks: Growing evidence of the health and ecosystem effects of certain chemicals can generate significant liability risks, potentially leading to restrictions.
❌ Shifting consumer preferences: The rise in demand for organic food reflects a growing consumer focus on health and quality.
❌ Food production challenges: Soil pollution from industrial agriculture reduces crop yields and threatens food safety by allowing contaminants to accumulate in crops.
❌ Human health risks: Compromised air quality and other health hazards linked to harmful agricultural practices.
❌ And many more, highlighting the urgency for banks to drive a transition towards a sustainable, resilient, and less polluting agricultural sector.

So, what opportunities exist for banks?
✅ Innovating sustainable farming practices,
✅ Fostering technology adoption for sustainable agriculture,
✅ Promoting responsible chemicals management,
✅ Strengthening alternatives such as biopesticides and organic fertilisers,
✅And more... if you are an investor or represent a financial institution working in the agriculture sector, share your thoughts and solutions!

At FARM, we are building an investment framework to detoxify the agriculture sector by eliminating the use of harmful inputs in food production systems. Let’s discuss and find a way to collaborate.

? Hello from Kuala Lumpur!

This week, representing the FARM team, cathy cao joined agriculture experts at the Regional Consultation meeting of CABI’s Asia Pacific Member States.

In her panel she explored FARM’s potential to align policy, enforcement, and finance towards reducing agrochemicals in agriculture by:

? Redirecting public subsidies to safer alternatives
? Embedding pollution criteria in responsible investment and banking
? Scaling biocontrol commercialisation
? Providing micro-loans for farmers adopting safer practices
♻️ Investing in waste management infrastructure, among others

Excited to share more learnings and insights from these rich conversations soon.

Stay tuned!

The global biopesticides market is projected to be on a significant growth trajectory.

How close are we to seeing biopesticides at the heart of sustainable pest management strategies?

ICYMI: The second phase of the FARM Programme was approved at the end of 2024.

UNDP will lead the second phase of FARM+ with 8 additional countries.

Learn more about FARM+: https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/news/new-gef-funds-towards-undp-sup…