How to accelerate Biocontrol adoption in open fields and extensive farming in the EU?
The future of European agriculture depends on sustainable, effective, and innovative solutions. Biocontrol, an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plant protection products (PPPs), has the potential to revolutionize farming. During IPMWORKS European Policy Seminar, Nicolas de Menten, Regulatory Manager at FytoFend, addressed the key obstacles and solutions needed to step up biocontrol adoption in open fields and extensive farming within the EU.
Breaking misconceptions about Biocontrol
One of the main challenges surrounding biocontrol is the persistence of myths and misconceptions. Nicolas de Menten highlighted and debunked several of these common beliefs:
- “Biocontrol is limited to protected crops” – False. Biocontrol is applicable to arable crops as well.
- “Biocontrol is a niche market” – Not anymore. FytoFend did a massive launch in Germany in 2024 with FytoSol®, its new biocontrol solution to control potato late blight. At EU level, biocontrol weights 1.6 billion € and is growing fast!
- “Biocontrol is only for organic farming” – Incorrect. It is relevant for both organic farming (OF) and integrated pest management (IPM).
- “Biocontrol is ineffective” – Not true. It has shown effectiveness, even against tough diseases such as potato late blight.
- “Biocontrol is too expensive” – Unfounded. Programs demonstrate cost parity with conventional solutions.
Regulatory barriers slowing down Biocontrol adoption
Despite its potential, the adoption of biocontrol in the EU faces significant regulatory hurdles. Compared to other regions such as Brazil and the USA, the EU’s approval process is excessively long, costly, and complex. If biocontrol is to become a mainstream agricultural solution, regulatory changes are essential. Key evolution points include:
- Prioritizing low-risk and green substances/products – This would accelerate their availability to farmers.
- Granting low-risk substances unlimited approval periods – A move that would provide long-term security for biocontrol manufacturers and users.
- Delaying reassessment of non-priority substances– This will reduce the workload of regulatory evaluators.
A multi-step approach to speed up Biocontrol
To overcome these regulatory obstacles, a four-step approach is proposed:
- Establishing a clear EU-wide definition for Biocontrol – Ensuring consistent regulatory treatment across Member States.
- Enhancing the implementation of Regulation 1107/2009 – Encouraging Member States to apply existing regulations in a more efficient manner.
- Introducing targeted amendments to Regulation 1107/2009 – Addressing specific challenges faced by biocontrol solutions.
- On a longer timescale: developing a dedicated Biocontrol Regulation – Providing a streamlined regulatory pathway tailored to biocontrol products.
Farmers, the Biocontrol industry, and consumers: a shared interest
A robust regulatory framework is essential to ensure product safety, but excessive administrative burdens are stifling innovation. As other regions move faster in adopting biocontrol, European competitiveness, food security, and farming sustainability are at risk.
By accelerating biocontrol’s integration into European agriculture, we can:
- Expand farmers’ toolboxes with more sustainable solutions.
- Increase crop value while reducing chemical residues.
- Minimize health and environmental risks.
Conclusion
Biocontrol has the potential to transform European agriculture, but regulatory inefficiencies are holding back its widespread adoption. By prioritizing low-risk substances, streamlining approval processes, and adapting regulations, the EU can facilitate a transition toward more sustainable and competitive farming. The time to act is now. Farmers, the biocontrol industry, and consumers all stand to benefit.
