#London #United Kingdom #crop protection #Mancozeb #UPL Corporation

Insights from the Global Mancozeb Summit

On June 16, 2025, the Global Mancozeb Summit brought together key stakeholders from around the world, focusing on the essential role of the fungicide mancozeb in crop protection. Hosted at Rothamsted Research in the UK, the event was a collaboration between UPL Corporation, a leader in agricultural solutions, and the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA) at North Carolina State University. This gathering highlighted the urgent need for discussions around mancozeb's importance, especially as the European Union's General Court prepares for its renewal case on July 1.

The Importance of Mancozeb in Agriculture

Mancozeb, a multi-site fungicide, has been pivotal in integrated disease management strategies for crops like potatoes, soybeans, bananas, and various fruits and vegetables. In his opening remarks, UPL CEO Mike Frank stated, "Mancozeb is a foundational technology for disease protection in plants. It provides reliable, multi-site protection, helping prevent resistance buildup and ensuring consistent yields. These conversations are vital for the future of farming and the well-being of our planet."

Since mancozeb was revoked from use in the EU in 2020, and subsequently in the UK in 2024, farmers have struggled to manage fungal diseases effectively. Many have reported increased reliance on single-site fungicides, resulting in higher costs and resistance issues. Catarina Pereira, from the Portuguese Potato Association, expressed, "We want to apply fewer pesticides to our crops, and a multi-site tool like mancozeb helps us do this. Without it, farmers are forced to use more expensive alternatives that require higher volumes for effective management."

Addressing the Consequences of Mancozeb's Absence

Experts at the summit underscored the detrimental consequences that farmers have faced due to the absence of mancozeb. Notably, the lack of this fungicide has contributed to the spread of resistant strains, particularly in potato production. In 2022 and 2023, regions such as the Netherlands, Northern Germany, and Denmark experienced severe outbreaks of potato blight, resulting in significant crop losses. Jean-Paul Deneuville, a French farmer representative, shared, "Some growers lost entire crops to potato blight in 2024. Without mancozeb, we are applying 2-3 times more fungicides, significantly increasing costs."

The impact wasn’t limited to potato farmers; fruit growers also reported challenges in managing diseases effectively. As Xavier Le Clanche from the Association Nationale Pommes Poires mentioned, "Mancozeb was one of the three tools we used for managing apple scab. Losing it has severely limited our options and left us vulnerable to other diseases. Many growers now face tough decisions on replanting or altering their production strategies entirely."

A Call for Science-Based Decision-Making

The summit highlighted a consensus among scientists and industry representatives regarding the safety and effectiveness of mancozeb. As David Cooke from the James Hutton Institute noted, the absence of this fungicide has inadvertently paved the way for resistance, and reintroducing it could protect other products. Delegates expressed hope that the upcoming EU Court hearing would allow for a reevaluation of the 2020 decision. Oriane Vialle-Guerin, representing French potato producers, stated, "Limiting the number of approved crop protection solutions increases the pressure on existing tools, accelerating resistance issues."

Moving Forward Towards Sustainability

With food security and affordability at stake, participants at the summit emphasized the importance of reinstating mancozeb for sustainable agriculture. Many representatives from Portugal shared their optimism about the positive outcomes that could arise from man's reintroduction, not just for pest control but also for economic sustainability and reduced pesticide use. Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the NC Plant Sciences Initiative at North Carolina State University, expressed, "This dialogue on science, real-world applications, and a path forward for mancozeb is essential. Access to the right tools isn't merely about agriculture; it relates to our food security and sustainability for upcoming generations."

As the EU Court approaches its hearing, the Global Mancozeb Summit has highlighted the importance of making regulatory decisions based on solid scientific evidence while considering the real-world challenges farmers contend with every day. The future of integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture may very well depend on reintegrating vital tools like mancozeb into practice.