IBMA Champions Regulatory Reform to Deliver Innovation to Farmers Faster
The Promise and the Gap
Biocontrol solutions offer targeted pest and disease management while reducing environmental and health impacts. Yet the reality in Europe has been frustratingly slow. Farmers are losing crop protection tools faster than new ones are approved, while climate change and resistance continue to increase pest pressures.
Timeline in Europe
Timeline in Brazil/USA
During a recent IBMA press conference, Karel Bolckmans, President of IBMA, highlighted that these delays have become a strategic risk for European food security. Innovation exists, but access does not.
The Simplification Package: A Step Forward
Recognising that the current system under Regulation 1107/2009 has reached capacity, the proposal focuses on better use of scientific resources and stronger coordination. Significant measures include:
- Prioritisation of biocontrol products within approval and authorisation procedures.
- Provisional authorisations for products containing new biocontrol active substances.
- Creation of a single EU zone for biocontrol and low-risk products to ensure equal access across Member States.
Maintaining Integrity While Simplifying
Simplification must be done carefully. Alessandra Muccia highlighted the need for a clear definition of biological control substances. Too broad a definition risks diluting the integrity of biocontrol by including engineered analogs that do not align with original principles.
Urgency of Implementation
Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of IBMA, stressed that while the proposal is a positive step, its value depends on swift implementation. Farmers are navigating shrinking toolboxes, climate volatility, and economic pressures. Delays could turn a promising reform into another missed opportunity.
The proposal also addresses operational realities: longer grace periods for withdrawn pesticides, reduced administrative burdens for minor uses, and removal of certain record-keeping obligations.
Looking Ahead: From Proposal to Action
The focus now shifts from proposal to action. IBMA has signalled its intent to advocate for a maximum timeline of three to four years for bringing new biological products to market.
With sufficient resources, clear definitions, and political will, Europe can achieve both safety and speed. The Simplification Package Omnibus represents more than regulatory reform—it is a statement about a future where innovation remains local, sustainability becomes practical, and farmers are equipped to produce food responsibly.
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