The European Crop Care Association (ECCA) hosted its first Crop Protection Regulatory Conference in Brussels earlier this month, urging EU policymakers to reform outdated crop protection regulations and accelerate market entry for biopesticides.
Joined by CropLife Europe and COPA COGECA, the event spotlighted growing industry pressure to revise EU Regulation 1107/2009 and deliver a more diverse, affordable toolbox for European farmers.
Fast-track proposals in the pipeline
While no formal changes have been enacted, the European Commission has confirmed plans to propose amendments to Regulation 1107/2009 in Q4 2025. These would introduce a fast-track procedure and provisional authorisations for biopesticides – part of a broader simplification package aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and nature-based innovation.
ECCA president Mónica Teixeira called 2025 a “pivotal year” for crop protection regulation, stressing the need for balanced reforms that benefit both biologicals and conventional post-patent products. The moment offers “a key opportunity to revisit and refine core aspects of the regulatory framework,” she said.
Industry unity key to progress
Despite optimism, concerns remain over fragmented lobbying efforts. Some argue that misalignment between groups like ECCA, CropLife Europe, and IBMA has slowed progress in the biologicals space.
ECCA general manager Paolo Marchesini emphasised the importance of a unified voice. “For the first time in many years, our industry feels that meaningful reforms are within reach,” he said, noting there was a true sense of alignment between farmers, policymakers and industry representatives.
“Policymakers made it clear that they see the need to simplify procedures, accelerate access to biopesticides, and at the same time ensure that conventional plant protection products benefit from a more predictable and science-based framework.”
Innovation hinges on predictable regulation
Marchesini also highlighted the role of post-patent companies in driving innovation – not just through new molecules, but via improved formulations, delivery systems, and integration with digital farming. However, regulatory uncertainty, especially around data protection and harmonisation across Member States, continues to hinder investment and create unnecessary delays and costs, particularly for SMEs.
Predictability in regulation is key,” he said. “Without a stable, science-based regulatory framework, even the most innovative firms will hesitate to invest. That’s why ECCA continues to advocate for regulations that enable rather than obstruct innovation.”
He also stressed the need for collaboration in the sector to accelerate innovation.
“ECCA sees its mission as complementing – not competing with – other associations," he said. “We believe a balanced, unified voice that reflects the whole product lifecycle, including post-patents, on-patents, biologicals and integrated strategies, is essential for strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and food security and resilience against challenges such as climate change.”
Time is of the essence
COPA COGECA’s Max Schulman echoed the urgency. “I’m more optimistic, but time is essential,” he warned. “If the Commission doesn’t act fast, they’ll run out of time themselves.”
