Policies should promote uptake of biocontrol

The European organic movement and international biocontrol manufacturers call on the European Commission to ensure faster registration and uptake of biological plant protection solutions, which would significantly reduce the use of synthetic pesticides.

Organic farmers ensure the agroecosystem they work in is healthy so they can reduce external inputs and mainly rely on preventive and indirect agronomic measures to manage pests and diseases. But, for some crops biocontrol solutions complement these agronomic practices. These products are commonly used to complement preventive and indirect plant protection measures which form the basis of sustainable and organic farming systems. However, farmers do not have biocontrol readily in their toolbox due to a reduced availability of biocontrol products and limited knowledge on their correct use.

Read IFOAM Organics Europe and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA)’s call for more details. If you are interested in this topic, have a look at the EU organic movement’s manifesto for the next political mandate – biocontrol is one of the priorities.

For more information on biocontrol and plant protection and IFOAM Organics Europe’s work on this issue, please visit our website or contact [email protected]. Do note that we prioritise our members’ requests.

IFOAM Organics Europe members can find more information on the member extranet and background materials in the arguments database on the member extranet (main messages, arguments/FAQs, visuals & videos). Contact [email protected] for access rights (issues).

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