The objectives of the COPEFA project were to encourage and train Agriculture High School students, particularly those in the food department and future farmers, in several areas related to pesticide use. Firstly, to teach them how to effectively manage the use of pesticides. Secondly, to learn about the potential damages that can result from pesticide use. Lastly, they would be made aware of alternative methods that can be employed to reduce the use of pesticides. Overall, the COPEFA project aimed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt more sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.
Analysis of previous periods (done by Rojas, 2014) showed that global pesticide sales increased by 289% in a period of 10 years only. It was estimated that the World Pesticide Market would grow at an annual average rate of 5% (Anonymous, 2014b), and global pesticide sales would reach $ 1 million in 2020. over these years, the uncontrolled and unconscious use of chemical drugs caused the chemical control programs to become ineffective. Pesticide derivatives, transformation products, metabolites, degradation products resulting from the use of pesticides in food and agricultural products can cause toxicological pollution. After comperison of curriculae in our partner countries we realized there is little training or proper courses on pesticide management, their proper use and reduction methods. Therefore we were encouraged to firstly raise awareness of the importance of pesticide analyses, secondly to provide methodological tools for its proper and controlled i.e. conscious use. First and foremost among our local communities and young people – highschool students, future farmers and / or landlords.