November 2024
The EU’s Biocontrol Bottleneck: A Call for Urgent Regulatory Reform
The Biocontrol Coalition is pleased to be featured in the EU news media outlet Euractiv, where we discuss the pressing need for regulatory reform to make biocontrol solutions more accessible to EU farmers. As European agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, the need for sustainable plant protection methods has never been more vital. The reduction of synthetic pesticides, combined with rising environmental pressures, means that biocontrol products are essential for helping farmers adopt more resilient and sustainable practices. Yet, these critical tools remain out of reach for many EU farmers due to an inefficient and lengthy regulatory framework.
Nearly 20 years after the European Commission’s REBECA project first highlighted Europe’s limited market presence for biocontrol products, we find ourselves facing an even greater innovation gap. While the EU’s current approval process for biocontrol products averages 7-9 years, other regions can clear these products in just 2-3 years. This regulatory bottleneck has led to a net loss of eight biocontrol substances over the past five years, with over 100 more awaiting approval. Consequently, EU farmers now have a significantly reduced set of tools—22% smaller than in 2017—to protect their crops sustainably.
This limited access to innovative plant protection solutions is compromising the competitiveness of EU farmers. Not only do they supply Europe’s food and beverage industry, but they also provide essential raw materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels, and textiles. Without a single market for biocontrol products, farmers across the EU are left without equal access, which discourages investment and innovation at a time when it’s most needed.
Industry reports underscore the urgency of addressing this challenge. The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture has called for faster development and market access for biocontrol products to bridge the innovation gap. There is precedent for a dedicated regulatory approach, as seen in the EU’s frameworks for biostimulants and New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), which could provide a roadmap for biocontrol regulation without triggering a larger debate on plant protection laws.
A dedicated legislative framework for biocontrol would bring multiple advantages. It would provide manufacturers and users with legal clarity, ensure proportionate regulation that upholds environmental and consumer safety, align with EU sustainability goals, and strengthen the internal market for these products, all while fostering innovation.
The Biocontrol Coalition, representing a wide range of stakeholders from farmers and industry to consumers, calls on EU leadership to prioritize biocontrol solutions in the next legislative work program. By taking action now, we can empower EU farmers with the tools they need to balance productivity with environmental sustainability, ensuring a resilient and competitive future for European agriculture.
You can read the full article on Euractiv The EU’s Biocontrol Bottleneck: A Call for Urgent Regulatory Reform – Euractiv