The dynamics and impacts of pests, diseases and weeds in agricultural crops depend on the landscape matrix, both due to effects of the matrix on dispersal abilities for these pest organisms, and due to the effects of landscape matrix on natural enemies. Functional biodiversity – catering to the natural control function in agricultural landscapes – provides the raison d’etre for the IOBC working group on Landscape Management for Functional Biodiversity. The challenges of climate change and food security have forced food security up the EU political agenda. This may pose a threat to (functional) biodiversity as land once again may become more intensively managed and the area of uncropped land diminishes. The loss of set-aside is the start of this process. Farmland biodiversity is under threat with some taxa continuing to decline despite the widespread implementation of agri-environment schemes. In the future uncropped land may have to become more multifunctional and provide a greater range of resources.

There remain many scientific challenges of which understanding dispersal within fields to landscapes is key if we are to maximise ecosystem services. New technologies are constantly being developed of which genetic markers offer the best opportunity to track beneficial or detrimental biological agents. Such empirical data will help populate whole system models. Climate change may also bring future challenges as weeds and pathogens spread to new areas and landscapes in which biocontrol may not be fully functioning. The landscape may play an important role in mitigating the impact of such change. The IOBC/WPRS Working Group “Landscape management for functional biodiversity” is interested in attracting a broader range of disciplines, there is currently a large bias towards entomologists, but if we are develop more ecosystem based approaches to crop management then an interdisciplinary approach will be required. This should include economists because only by demonstrating the economic viability of utilising functional biodiversity will farmers be persuaded to adopt appropriate land management practices.

The scientific programme will feature two and a half days of presentations, posters and discussions and half a day of visits to local projects (programme details will be provided later).

For the fourth meeting of the Working Group in Cambridge we specifically invite contributions on the following themes:

• The role of agri-environment schemes in providing functional biodiversity
• Modelling for enhanced understanding of spatial and dynamic interactions
• Landscape and IPM: seeking appropriate measurements

Contributions will be evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Board and by the Organisers for suitability for oral or poster presentations.

We encourage initiatives which could lead to multi-authored reviews on relevant themes, for instance linking up scientific approaches with applied experiences.

The IOBC Working Group can contribute to authors’ meeting costs if a paper will be produced for the proceedings and subsequently submitted to the refereed journal Bio-Control. Available support will be given with first priority to young scientists (e.g. PhD-students) with limited travel funds from their home institutes.