Conclusions du séminaire Copraa.

In conclusion to a seminar focused on crop protection and weed management, in a context of questioning agricultural and food models in France and Europe, it is worth emphasizing the urgent need to produce in an economically efficient manner while reducing the impact on health and the environment. It is also necessary to anticipate the withdrawal of active substances or the loss of their effectiveness, which requires correcting cognitive biases regarding pesticides. The Copraa seminar highlighted the importance of moving beyond crisis situations linked to impasses to focus on prevention and prophylaxis. Modeling based on the FlorSys model is a relevant tool, into which disruptive approaches such as crop diversification and agroecology should be integrated. The integration of animals and the increasing complexity of systems are also avenues to pursue and develop. Various topics addressed during the seminar must be pursued and explored in greater depth, such as the application of lessons learned to diverse crops and contexts, consideration of other means of production such as nitrogen nutrition, and the crucial role of the human and social sciences. It is necessary to develop genuine agroecological engineering involving a wide range of stakeholders and exploring innovative solutions, including in terms of machinery. Finally, it is crucial to consider the hidden costs of pesticide use for a viable economic transition. The conference demonstrated the wealth of avenues and the need for political support for the evolution of practices.