IBMA Celebrates New EU Regulations to Enhance Biocontrol Product Access for Farmers

The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) has expressed strong approval for the recent publication of the European Commission's Proposal regarding the Simplification Package Omnibus. This proposal includes essential amendments to EU Regulation 1107/2009, marking an important milestone in advancing market access for biocontrol active substances and products. The initiative aims to equip European farmers with vital resources necessary for practicing sustainable agriculture.

Karel Bolckmans, the President of IBMA, emphasized the significance of this legislative advancement, stating, "This proposal represents a pivotal moment for the biocontrol industry. By streamlining regulatory processes, we can foster innovation in Europe and provide farmers with the tools they need to embrace sustainable crop protection."

Biocontrol methods are renowned for their capacity to target pests and manage diseases effectively, all while exerting minimal negative impact on both environmental integrity and human health. Hence, they play a crucial role in facilitating the transition of farmers towards more sustainable practices across diverse agricultural systems.

Key Proposed Amendments

The recently proposed amendments entail a variety of strategic updates aimed at enhancing the efficacy of biocontrol solutions:
1. Definition Standardization: Establishing a universal definition of biocontrol active substances and their products at the EU level.
2. Procedural Priorities: Prioritizing the approval and authorization procedures specifically for biocontrol products.
3. Provisional Authorizations: Allowing member states the ability to grant provisional authorization for plant protection products containing novel biocontrol active substances.
4. Enhanced EFSA Role: Enabling the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to act as Rapporteur for member states, thereby increasing the resources available for review processes.
5. Unified Regulatory Zone: Establishing a single EU zone for biocontrol and low-risk products to foster more equitable access across all member states.
6. Mutual Recognition Protocols: Introducing tacit mutual recognition between member states should agreed-upon deadlines be exceeded.
7. Renewal System Changes: Amending the renewal system to provide indefinite approval periods for active substances and product authorizations, barring special cases and candidates for substitution.

In a statement, Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of IBMA, remarked on the impact of the simplification package, noting, "This is a positive development that aligns with the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture. The measures proposed will lead to biocontrol solutions reaching the market faster, helping farmers effectively manage pests and diseases amidst growing productivity pressures from climate change."

With biodiversity loss and climate change significantly outpacing regulatory development, expanding the toolbox available to farmers is seen as crucial for achieving environmental goals. Jurgen Tack, Secretary General and CEO of the European Landowners Organisation (ELO), stated, "This proposal illustrates that simplifying procedures and eliminating administrative obstructions can coexist with high safety standards, assisting farmers in achieving sustainability, resilience, and food security."

The proposed changes prioritize robust safety standards while simultaneously facilitating quicker market access for biocontrol solutions. By alleviating administrative burdens, permitting provisional authorizations, and improving mutual recognition, the simplification package is poised to enhance the competitiveness of farmers and the European biocontrol industry alike. This development is expected to create a more inviting investment climate for European biocontrol firms.

IBMA looks forward to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and continued dialogue within the European Parliament and the Council to support the successful implementation of these measures. These collective efforts will contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in Europe.