New EU roadmap targets faster approval of biocontrol solutions for farmers

The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and Copa-Cogeca, representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives, unveiled their third joint roadmap on sustainable plant protection on September 24, 2025. The initiative outlines a five-year strategy to integrate biocontrol solutions more fully into European farming practices, offering alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides.

The event, hosted by Members of the European Parliament Herbert Dorfmann (EPP, IT), Cristina Guarda (Greens, IT), and Benoît Cassart (Renew, BE), brought together industry executives and farmers, including Raffael Buonatesta, CEO of FytoFend SA; Johann Meierhöffer, vice-chair of Copa-Cogeca’s Plant Health Working Party; and Dutch arable farmer Joris Baecke.

“Biocontrols are essential tools for the future of the agricultural sector in Europe,” Dorfmann said, emphasizing the need for clearer legislation and faster commercialization to unlock their potential.

The roadmap identifies several priorities to boost innovation and simplify regulatory hurdles, including harmonized definitions of biocontrol plant protection products (PPPs), accelerated approvals, EU-wide mutual recognition, and incentives for farmer adoption.

MEP Cristina Guarda highlighted the urgency for faster market access: “Today, it can take up to ten years for a new product to reach farmers. If we are serious about moving away from chemical pesticides, we must give farmers safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives.”

Beyond Europe, the roadmap carries implications for the global agribusiness sector. Companies operating internationally can expect shifts in European market access and regulatory standards, signaling potential investment opportunities in biocontrol development, production, and distribution. Faster approval processes and simplified rules for SMEs could accelerate innovation and competition, while targeted financial incentives may drive adoption at scale.

“By fostering investment and providing farmers with innovative tools, we can enhance competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability,” said Cassart.

IBMA represents over 200 biocontrol manufacturers worldwide, and Copa-Cogeca advocates for farmers and cooperatives across the EU. Their joint efforts underline the growing intersection of sustainability, regulatory reform, and technology adoption—trends that are increasingly shaping global crop protection strategies.

The roadmap can be downloaded here.