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The Biocontrol Coalition has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the upcoming Biotech Act II, outlining how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness, innovation capacity and resilience through a more effective framework for biocontrol solutions.

On 13 May, the Biocontrol Coalition held a policy breakfast in the European Parliament on the biocontrol provisions of the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package, hosted by MEP Benoît Cassart (Renew Europe), with the participation of Klaus Berend, Director for Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation at DG SANTE. The event brought together representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, Member States, industry and farming organisations, reflecting the Coalition’s multistakeholder nature and the growing interest around biocontrol in the context of the ongoing Omnibus discussions.

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.

The Biocontrol Coalition, together with 44 other co-signatories (listed below), is proud to support the joint industry call for a strong EU Biotech Act II, a crucial step to strengthen biomanufacturing in Europe.

The Biocontrol Coalition’s Member States Breakfast series has brought together policymakers, farmers, and industry to explore how Europe can accelerate access to biocontrol solutions. Across three discussions, participants highlighted the need for a clearer regulatory framework and practical steps to move from policy debate to real-world implementation.

The amendments to Reg (EC) 1107/2009 proposed by the European Commission in its Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus, are important first steps in adapting EU regulation to give more choice of safe and effective biocontrol products in a timely manner. However, there are still fundamental issues that can only be addressed through a dedicated framework adapted to the characteristics of biocontrol products.

On the 25th of November 2025, the European Parliament took a decisive step toward a more sustainable and innovation-friendly agricultural future by adopting its own-initiative report on “Ensuring Faster Registration and Uptake of Biological Control Agents.

The European Parliament Committees on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI), and Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) adopted a report on ‘Ensuring faster registration and uptake of biological control agents’ on 4 November 2025, with broad support across the political spectrum.

To stay globally competitive, Europe’s regulatory system must keep pace with innovation. Today, authorising biocontrol products in the EU can take up to 10 years. To remain competitive, the process should take no more than 2–3 years.
Together with IBMA, CropLife Europe, COPA-COGECA, and ELO, the Biocontrol Coalition has identified targeted amendments to Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 that would provide immediate relief and pave the way for a faster, more efficient system.

Europe is making its voice heard on the future of biotechnology. Following President von der Leyen’s pledge that Europe will “make the most of the biotech revolution,” the European Commission has presented the results of its public consultation on the forthcoming Bioeconomy Strategy, which aims to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the EU bioeconomy and investment security.

If we do a good job on targeted amendments to Reg (EC) 1007/2009, why do we need a dedicated framework to regulate biocontrol products? 

On 3 July 2025, the European Parliament discussed a new report calling for faster biocontrol approvals. While welcomed, the Biocontrol Coalition urges bolder steps, including dedicated legislation to truly unlock timely access to biocontrol solutions for EU farmers.

Rethinking how we assess biocontrol effectiveness: beyond pest kill rates, this article explores holistic, fit-for-purpose measures that reflect the real value of biocontrol in modern farming.

At the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 23–24 June 2025, Austria, supported by Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovakia, brought forward an important discussion point on the future of plant protection in Europe. 

The Biocontrol Coalition contributed to the European Commission’s public consultation on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy it is preparing for the end of 2025. The strategy aims to foster a circular, regenerative, and competitive bioeconomy that respects planetary boundaries and supports the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals. 

In our response to the Commission’s consultation, the Biocontrol Coalition outlines why structural reform—not only short-term fixes—is needed to create a future-proof, efficient regulatory framework for sustainable plant protection.

European agricultural stakeholders — including The Biocontrol Coalition — have come together to urge the European Commission to take decisive policy action to improve access to biocontrol and low-risk plant protection products.

Beneficial bacteria are transforming crop protection! A new biofungicide fights harmful fungi naturally while boosting plant health. Click to learn more!

While the EU plans to boost competitiveness, its 2025 work programme misses a key element—expanding the farmer toolbox. With rising pest threats and fewer protection tools, farmers face growing risks. Will future policies bridge the gap?