Belgium
Dr Friedhelm Schmider is the Director General of the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), the Brussels-based trade association representing the manufacturers of agrochemicals in Europe, since 2002. Friedhelm is German and has an educational background in soil science, agriculture, forestry and biology. He obtained his PhD from the University of Hohenheim, Department of Soil Science, Germany. He has been with the crop protection industry for more 25-years holding a variety of technical and commercial leadership roles in both Germany and Asia. His widespread technical knowledge, public affairs experience and political interest have served to provide a solid foundation to his work in managing regulatory activities and relationships with international organisations, associations and authorities. Friedhelm also has a wide expertise in the fields of environment and nature conservation.