#United Kingdom #Mancozeb #UPL Corporation #CERSA #Rothamsted

Understanding the Role of Mancozeb in Modern Agriculture

In June 2025, a significant event took place at Rothamsted Research in the UK, known as the Global Mancozeb Summit. This summit, co-hosted by UPL Corporation Ltd. and the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA), aimed to address the importance of mancozeb, a multi-site fungicide, especially as the European Court of Justice prepares to make a critical decision regarding its renewal on July 1.

The Importance of Mancozeb

Mancozeb has long been recognized as a fundamental technology for protecting crops from diseases, particularly fungal infections. During the summit, Mike Frank, CEO of UPL Corp, emphasized its relevance: “Mancozeb is crucial for producers facing fungal diseases in crops like bananas, soybeans, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Its reliable multi-site action helps prevent resistance and ensures stable yields.”

The urgency of the summit's discussions became apparent when considering the challenges farmers have faced following the revocation of mancozeb in the EU in 2020 and the UK in 2024. The absence of this essential tool has exacerbated difficulties for farmers grappling with increased fungal illnesses and resistance issues associated with single-site fungicides. For instance, potato producers in several European regions, including the Netherlands and Denmark, reported ongoing devastation from disease outbreaks in 2022 and 2023 due to the lack of effective alternatives.

Catarina Pereira from the Portuguese Potato Association (Porbatata) stated, “We want to apply fewer pesticides, and a multi-site tool like mancozeb helps us achieve that. Without it, we are forced to turn to more expensive alternatives that require larger volumes.” This shifting landscape in crop management has left many growers feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future.

Voices from the Field

Jean-Paul Deneuville, a French farmer representing the Federation of Potato Producers (FEDEPOM), highlighted the severe impact of working without mancozeb, reporting that some growers faced complete crop losses due to diseases like potato blight in 2024. Such losses have led to a significant uptick in fungicide usage—farmers now find themselves needing to apply two to three times more fungicides than before, resulting in inflated production costs.

Similarly, fruit producers have felt the impact. Xavier Le Clanche from the National Association of Apples and Pears noted that mancozeb was one of only three tools available for managing apple scab. Deprived of this solution, their ability to combat various diseases has diminished, forcing growers to make tough decisions; some may need to replant or adjust crop production entirely.

A Call for Science-Based Decisions

The Global Mancozeb Summit produced a collective voice among experts regarding the necessity of this fungicide, advocating for a science-based review of regulatory decisions. David Cooke from the James Hutton Institute argued, “The lack of mancozeb in fungicide programs has fueled the spread of resistant strains. Reintroducing this tool can safeguard other products and aid in managing resistance effectively.”

As the representatives gathered for this summit, their anticipation for the upcoming EU court hearing was palpable, as many hoped it would allow for a reevaluation of the 2020 revocation.

Oriane Vialle-Guerin, a representative from French potato growers, pointed out the increasing pressure on the remaining approved crop protection solutions. “The more we restrict available options, the more strain we place on what's left, quickly accelerating resistance challenges,” she noted.

Looking Ahead

As discussions unfolded at the summit, farmers and industry experts voiced a shared hope: that the upcoming court decision will prioritize food safety and affordability across Europe. Portuguese representatives stressed how restoring mancozeb could positively affect crop protection, cost management, and enhance overall sustainability by requiring fewer pesticide applications.

Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the NC Plant Sciences Initiative at N.C. State University, expressed optimism about the summit’s role in fostering critical advancements. “This dialogue on science and practical applications for mancozeb is vital. Providing farmers with access to necessary tools is not just an agricultural issue; it’s about ensuring food production and sustainability for future generations.”

In the lead-up to the pivotal EU court hearing, the Global Mancozeb Summit underscored the necessity for data-driven regulatory decisions and drew attention to the real-world challenges that farmers are currently facing, revealing a pressing need for balanced solutions in crop management.