Post: How Pesticide Research is Paving the Way for a Safer World

February 13, 2026

How Pesticide Research is Paving the Way for a Safer World

As the world becomes increasingly digital and access to information grows, public scrutiny of pesticide use has intensified. The days of “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” are firmly behind us. Citizens now actively question where pesticides are used, how they behave in the environment, and what their long-term impacts may be on human and ecological health. This shift reflects a growing awareness and empowerment of the public in shaping how products are produced and consumed – which ultimately, is a positive development.

Trust in “big business” has been eroded in many sectors, often for valid reasons. Rebuilding that trust requires transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision-making. For forestry, pesticide use can no longer be viewed as a routine operational input. Every decision, from product selection to application and disposal, must consider social, environmental and economic consequences.

Historically, pesticide use across many industries, forestry included, was largely assessed on efficacy alone: would it work or not? Today, that question is no longer sufficient. We must also ask how pesticide use affects workers, neighbouring communities, downstream ecosystems, water resources and biodiversity. This mindset must extend beyond application to encompass the full lifecycle of a product, from procurement to container disposal and wastewater management. Decisions are no longer purely financial; they are ethical and reputational as well.

A changing regulatory and social landscape

The South African forestry sector is no newcomer to compliance. For more than a decade, certification standards and legislative requirements, often driven by global supply chains, have shaped standard operating procedures. What has changed is the source and intensity of pressure. Increasingly, it comes directly from the public, reflected in evolving legislation as governments respond to heightened social expectations.

Globally, pesticide regulations have become more stringent, and because much of South Africa’s forestry output is destined for international markets, local operations must align with global norms. At the same time, domestic regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, reinforcing the need for forestry to be a responsible custodian of its workforce, neighbours and the environment.

Accountability and transparency are now non-negotiable. Stakeholders want to know why pesticides are used, where and how they are applied, how risks are managed and whether safer alternatives are being explored. This includes stricter training standards, the phasing out of highly hazardous active ingredients and a “cradle-to-grave” approach to pesticide stewardship.

While this scrutiny can feel burdensome to those focused on operational delivery, it also presents an opportunity. It invites the sector to reassess practices, embrace innovation and leverage technological advances to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Why science-led decision-making matters

In an environment of heightened scrutiny, science-led decision-making is more critical than ever. When operations or the sector come under the spotlight, having robust, evidence-based data, clear protocols and transparent communication builds trust. Experience has shown that when due diligence is done upfront and stakeholders are engaged openly, concerns can often be addressed quickly and constructively.

Reputational risk remains one of the greatest threats to any sector that fails to adapt. Loss of trust can translate into market exclusion, financial loss and strained relationships. Closer to home, inadequate practices increase the risk of incidents such as spills or worker exposure, with serious consequences. Proactive research allows the industry to anticipate challenges rather than react to them, identify priority risks and develop practical solutions before issues escalate.

TIPWG: Coordinating science, credibility and collaboration

This is where the Timber Industry Pesticide Working Group (TIPWG) plays a critical role. Coordinated, sector-wide research is not only more effective than isolated company studies, but also more cost-efficient and far-reaching. By pooling resources and collaborating with academic institutions, the sector can generate high-quality research, build specialised skills and establish industry-wide standards.

TIPWG acts as a bridge between industry, researchers, regulators and certification bodies. This positioning enables informed prioritisation of research efforts and allows the sector to anticipate regulatory and certification changes. In some cases, it also places forestry in a position to meaningfully inform those changes.

Importantly, TIPWG helps translate complex scientific research into practical, real-world application. This is achieved through technical articles with accessible summaries, webinars, guidance documents, SOPs, checklists and, increasingly, new platforms such as podcasts and structured training materials.

Independence and credibility are fundamental. By commissioning research through reputable academic institutions and making findings publicly available, TIPWG ensures transparency and impartiality. Decisions are driven by data, not fear or convenience. While TIPWG cannot control every action in the field, it plays a vital role in setting standards and enabling accountability across the sector.

Science in action: from research to safer practice

Ongoing pesticide research directly improves safety for workers and applicators by identifying high-risk active ingredients, supporting the transition to lower-hazard alternatives and promoting technologies that reduce exposure, such as drone application. Research also informs training and SOP development, strengthening awareness and safe practice.

For surrounding communities, science underpins clear communication and engagement, ensuring that those living near operations, or whose livelihoods intersect with forestry land, are informed and protected. Environmental research deepens understanding of pesticide fate in soil, water and biodiversity, enabling adaptive practices such as buffer zones and product selection tailored to specific risks.

Innovation is essential for long-term sustainability. Social licence to operate, environmental responsibility and economic viability are deeply interconnected. Focused research allows the sector to balance these priorities, ensuring productivity without compromising people or the planet.

Women in science: visibility and leadership

As we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is important to recognise the growing presence and influence of women in forestry science. From personal experience, the women working in this space are dedicated, collaborative and deeply committed to advancing the sector. Forestry science is no longer a male-dominated arena, it is a shared one.

Visibility matters. When women take up space in applied sciences, they not only contribute expertise but also become role models for girls and young women considering STEM careers. The forestry sector today offers flexibility, diversity of roles and opportunities for meaningful impact, far removed from outdated stereotypes.

Looking ahead

For young women considering forestry science, the sector offers far more than many expect. It is diverse, impactful and globally connected. Forestry creates tangible local benefits while contributing to global sustainability goals.

When research, responsibility and inclusion work together, the future becomes both credible and hopeful. A safer world, in the context of pesticide research, is one where risks are understood, managed and minimised through evidence-based practice. TIPWG’s work represents progress through preparation, collaboration, and the translation of science into action, ensuring that South African forestry remains resilient, responsible, and ready for what lies ahead.

Source: FSA