Pesticide researchers face formidable challenges: Annual Meeting Report of the Mediterranean Group of Pesticide Research, Piacenza, Italy, 13 and 14 November 2008

The Mediterranean Group of Pesticide Research (MGPR) is a scientific society of people committed to research concerning effects of pesticides on the environment and human health. A main task of the MGPR is to contribute to evaluation and dissemination of relevant scientific information, which includes novel analytical methods for pesticide-residue analysis, updates about new pesticides or new application methods, evaluation of pesti- cides and pesticide-application methods in the context of sustainable agriculture and the relevant legislation. Another strong point of MGPR is encouragement of a collaborative spirit among its members through the formation of working groups in order to accomplish its mission, so annual meetings serve as reference points for not only information but also collaboration among scientists in the field of pesticides research. Update on the work carried out by the members of the MGPR and other researchers of the field was given during the annual meeting that took place in Piacenza, Italy, 13 and 14 November 2008. Activities included presentations, a poster session, a technical update on technical advances at the host institute (Universita Cattolica, Piacenza, Italy) and social events.