Health

Unlocking the Future of Farming: IFOAM Calls for Urgent Biocontrol Solutions in the EU

2025-05-20

Author: Mei

A Call to Action for Organic Farmers

In a bold move to boost agricultural sustainability, IFOAM Organics Europe has released a powerful position paper advocating for accelerated access to biocontrol solutions across the European Union. Eduardo Cuoco, the organization's Director, emphasizes that upcoming legislation must cater to the unique needs of organic farmers and streamline the registration of natural substances vital for organic production.

The Challenge of Regulatory Delays

Despite their crucial role in sustainable farming, the approval process for biocontrol products remains a bottleneck, often taking over a decade for new substances to gain approval. "This lengthy timeline is incompatible with the immediate needs of farmers," Cuoco warned, highlighting the pressing urgency for reform.

Key Recommendations for Change

To tackle these issues, IFOAM has proposed a solid set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the biocontrol landscape in Europe. These include: 1. Establishing a unified definition of biocontrol; 2. Recognizing the societal benefits of supporting biocontrol initiatives; 3. Streamlining EU and national approval processes for biocontrol products; 4. Facilitating the use of beneficial organisms in agricultural practices; 5. Strengthening institutional support to implement existing regulations; 6. Recognizing and addressing market weaknesses to promote biocontrol uptake; 7. Funding research to fill the gaps identified by the organic sector.

A Shift Towards Sustainable Practices

Eric Gall, Deputy Director at IFOAM, stresses the immediate need for decisive policy changes to phase out synthetic pesticides, protect biodiversity, and safeguard water resources. "Access to agroecological knowledge and natural substances is essential for farmers to adapt their practices and effectively utilize biocontrol solutions," he asserted.

Support from EU Officials

The commitment for change is echoed by both the EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, who have expressed intent to fast-track the approval and authorization of biocontrol solutions. This alignment between policy and practical needs could signal a transformative shift in agricultural practices across Europe.

Understanding Biocontrol: A Closer Look

Biocontrol encompasses a range of nature-derived substances and organisms, including essential oils and microorganisms, utilized to promote plant health. Within organic systems, biocontrol is a complementary tool for managing pests, diseases, and weeds. Interestingly, only about 10% of organic farmland requires additional natural substances beyond preventive strategies, with certain crops, particularly fruits and grapes, needing more immediate attention.

Stay Informed and Engaged

For those interested in the full details of IFOAM's position paper, it is available on their website. Additionally, staying updated on the latest news in the organic sector can be accomplished by subscribing to the Bio Eco Actual Newsletter.