Biocontrol Coalition submits response to Commission consultation on Omnibus X

April 2026

The Biocontrol Coalition has submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on the Omnibus X Food and Feed Simplification Package, highlighting both the positive elements of the proposal and the need for further structural reform that goes beyond the Omnibus.

The Coalition welcomes the Omnibus as an important first step toward a more fit-for-purpose EU regulatory environment for biocontrol solutions. In particular, it supports the introduction of a harmonised EU definition of biocontrol substances, which is broadly innovation-friendly and future-proof, as well as efforts to streamline administrative procedures and reduce the burden on competent authorities.

The proposal’s focus on simplifying authorisation processes- including measures such as provisional authorisation, improved mutual recognition and a more targeted approach to renewals- is seen as a positive development that could help reduce time-to-market and improve the economic viability of biocontrol solutions. These changes are particularly important for enabling farmers and companies to realise returns on investment more quickly and to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness in agricultural innovation. We also believe these measures are important to reduce the overload of national competent authorities.

However, the Coalition stresses that the Omnibus cannot, on its own, resolve the structural mismatch between the current regulatory framework and the characteristics of biocontrol products. The existing system remains largely designed for conventional plant protection products, resulting in delays, duplication and incoherencies that continue to limit access to biocontrol solutions across the EU.

Key issues remain, including:

1. the continued reliance on Member State capacity at multiple steps in the process and the risk of divergent implementation;
2. the inherent inefficiencies of the two-step approval process (active substance approval + product authorisation);
3. criteria and concepts that are ill-suited to the nature of biocontrol products (even the definition of “low risk” is ill-adapted to biocontrol products as about 60% of microbes approved for use in EU biocontrol would not qualify);
4. and the lack of flexibility to accommodate future innovation.

As highlighted in the Coalition’s submission, while the Omnibus creates important improvements, it should be seen as a stepping stone rather than a final solution.

The Coalition therefore reiterates its call for the development of a dedicated EU regulatory framework for biocontrol building on the improvements in the Omnibus. Such a framework would enable a truly fit-for-purpose system, support innovation, and ensure that European farmers have timely access to a wide range of safe and effective tools.

In this context, the Coalition encourages the European Commission to include a proposal for a dedicated biocontrol framework in its 2027 Work Programme.

The Coalition remains committed to supporting EU institutions in advancing this agenda and ensuring that biocontrol can fully contribute to Europe’s agricultural competitiveness, sustainability, and food security.