#London #United Kingdom #Mancozeb #CERSA #UPL Corp

Overview of the Global Mancozeb Summit

On June 18, 2025, experts from around the world convened at the Global Mancozeb Summit held at the Rothamsted Research facility in the United Kingdom. This event was co-hosted by UPL Corporation Ltd., a key player in sustainable agricultural solutions, and the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA) from North Carolina State University. The summit brought together farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals to discuss the importance of Mancozeb, a multi-site fungicide, particularly as the European Court prepares for hearings regarding its regulatory status on July 1.

The Importance of Mancozeb in Agriculture

Mancozeb has been critical in integrated pest management strategies. As noted by Mike Frank, UPL Corp's CEO, during the summit's opening address, Mancozeb is essential for combating fungal diseases in crops like bananas, soybeans, potatoes, and various fruits and vegetables. Its multi-site action not only provides effective protection but also curbs the development of resistance in fungal pathogens, thus ensuring consistent crop yields.

After the EU’s ban on Mancozeb in 2020, farmers have faced escalating challenges in managing fungal diseases, particularly with single-site fungicides that have proven less effective. The ban's implications have been severe, especially for potato, fruit, and vegetable farmers reliant on Mancozeb's cost-effectiveness and its broad action against various pathogens.

Voices from the Field

Catarina Pereira from the Portuguese Potato Association remarked on the impact of the ban, stating, "We want to reduce pesticide use, and a multi-site product like Mancozeb supports us in that effort. Without it, we end up using alternative solutions that are not only more expensive but also require higher application rates."

The summit highlighted testimonies from several farmers regarding the dire consequences of losing Mancozeb. For instance, French farmer and FEDEPOM representative Jean-Paul Deneuville emphasized that due to the potato blight, some farmers lost their entire crops in 2024. The increased reliance on alternative fungicides has significantly raised costs, complicating financial sustainability in agriculture.

The Ripple Effect on Fruit Producers

Fruit producers have also cited the repercussions of the Mancozeb ban. As Xavier Le Clanche from the Association Nationale Pommes Poires pointed out, "Mancozeb was one of three effective tools against apple scab. Its removal has jeopardized our ability to combat not just scab but also rust diseases, forcing farmers to make tough decisions about replanting or relocating production entirely."

Science-Based Decision-Making

The summit underscored a consensus among stakeholders that supports Mancozeb's safety and efficacy. According to David Cooke from the James Hutton Institute, the absence of Mancozeb has facilitated the spread of resistant strains of pathogens. He stated, "Reintroducing this fungicide could protect existing products and help combat rising resistance levels."

Participants expressed optimism regarding the forthcoming EU hearing, viewing it as an opportunity to reassess the regulatory stance established in 2020. Oriane Vialle-Guerin, a representative of French potato producers, conveyed concern that restricting approved pesticides increases the pressure on remaining options, accelerating the resistance problem.

Looking Ahead

As discussions at the summit progressed, farmers and experts conveyed hopes for a decision that prioritizes food security and affordability across Europe. Positive feedback from Portuguese representatives highlighted potential benefits of reintroducing Mancozeb, emphasizing its role not just in plant protection but also in cost management and sustainability.

Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the NC Plant Sciences Initiative, expressed his belief in the summit's role to facilitate meaningful advancements. "This dialogue surrounding the science, practical applications, and future direction of Mancozeb is pivotal. Ensuring farmers have access to the necessary tools is crucial for food production and sustainability for future generations."

In conclusion, just weeks ahead of the EU court hearing, the Global Mancozeb Summit reaffirmed the need for regulatory decisions to be firmly grounded in robust scientific evidence and to acknowledge the real-life challenges farmers face today.