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IBMA Celebrates the European Commission's Proposal for Simplification

On December 17, 2025, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) expressed great enthusiasm for the European Commission's newly published Proposal for the Simplification Package Omnibus, which includes vital amendments to the EU Regulation 1107/2009. This proposal marks a foundational shift in how biocontrol solutions are regulated in Europe, aiming to ramp up market access for biocontrol products and help European farmers adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.

A Game-Changer for Biocontrol Industry

Karel Bolckmans, President of IBMA, has conveyed that this proposal signals a pivotal advancement for the biocontrol industry. He stated, "By streamlining regulatory processes, we can foster innovation in Europe and provide farmers with the tools they need to embrace sustainable crop protection." The urgency behind this regulation stems from the pressing need for sustainable agricultural solutions amidst the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

The biocontrol industry focuses on harnessing natural processes to fend off pests and diseases, striking a balance between effective agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Such solutions are increasingly crucial as the agriculture sector transforms toward sustainability. With the publication of this proposal, the pathway has been opened wider for biocontrol solutions to be integrated into the farmer's toolkit.

Key Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendments are extensive and reflect careful thought about the current regulatory landscape:
1. Establishing a clear definition of biocontrol active substances and their products at the EU level.
2. Prioritizing the approval and authorization procedures specifically designed for biocontrol.
3. Allowing Member States greater flexibility by enabling them to grant provisional authorizations for products containing new biocontrol substances.
4. Empowering the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to act as a Rapporteur for Member States, thus enhancing resource allocation for review processes.
5. Creating a singular EU zone for biocontrol products to ensure consistent access across all Member States.
6. Implementing tacit mutual recognition between Member States when set deadlines are not met.
7. Modifying the renewal system to allow unlimited approval periods for certain active substances and product authorizations, with exceptions for specific cases.

Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of IBMA, further emphasized the proposal's alignment with the European Commission’s agricultural vision. She noted, "The measures proposed will lead to biocontrol solutions reaching the market faster, supporting farmers to manage pests and diseases effectively amid increasing pressures on productivity from climate change."

Supporting Sustainability and Resilience

Jurgen Tack, Secretary General and CEO of the European Landowners Organisation (ELO), has pointed out that "when biodiversity loss and climate change are surpassing policy development and regulation, extending the toolbox for farmers can significantly contribute to achieving environmental goals." He highlighted that the proposal demonstrates how simplified procedures can coexist with robust safety standards, reinforcing sustainability, resilience, and food security.

Conclusion

The proposed changes aim to foster innovation while concurrently maintaining high safety standards, thus enabling faster market access to biocontrol solutions. By mitigating administrative burdens and allowing provisional authorizations, the simplification package should enhance the competitiveness of farmers and the European biocontrol industry. It creates a more inviting investment environment for European biocontrol enterprises, encouraging more sustainable agricultural practices across the continent.

IBMA anticipates further collaboration with stakeholders and discussions within the European Parliament and Council for the successful implementation of these measures. Together, they strive to promote how agriculture can become more resilient and sustainable across Europe.