The application of pesticides in farming is controversial due to their adverse effects on farm workers, consumers and the ecosystem. Given current demands for more sustainable agricultural practices and a precautionary approach to consumer protection, there is a need for the risks associated with pesticide application to be reduced. The amount of pesticides used should be reduced to the minimum amount required and the application process should be guided by quality assurance, documentation and experience. The question therefore arises as to whether plant protection – not only pesticide application but also the monitoring of damage, and consultation – can be provided as an external and eco-efficient service. Pesticide application would be performed using modern equipment and specialist knowledge. Moreover, since the client no longer has to purchase this equipment, resources become available for other investments. Such a service should contribute to more sustainable farming practices.

An aim of the project was to find out if, in Styrian farms, plant protection measures are being offered to farmers or requested by farmers as a service, and how a market could be developed for such a service. Therefore, farmers in agriculture, wine- and fruit growing were surveyed, along with consultants and repre-sentatives of the farmer association. As a result, it was determined that plant protection is occasionally offered and performed as a service, but as a general rule the clients still retain their own machinery, and the suppliers – in most cases also farmers – are not able to earn a significant amount of their income from this service. The survey also revealed a few examples of practice where the character of the service was more distinct. In a consecutive project (Ser-Vino) these ex-periences are being used to enhance this service concept in the Styrian wine-growing region.