The European Crop Care Association (ECCA) is urging the European Commission to “unlock fair and equal access” to post-patent plant protection products (PPPs). It argues that removing regulatory and data protection barriers will increase competition, lower costs, and improve access to affordable crop protection tools for farmers across the EU.
Boosting profitability and sustainability
ECCA general manager Paolo Marchesini says post-patent PPPs – based on proven active ingredients – can reduce reliance on major agrochemical firms, support minor crops often neglected by large R&D programmes, and help meet sustainability goals by conserving existing research investments.
He believes better access to these products strengthens farm resilience and profitability and enables farmers to invest in modernisation, diversification and digital technologies.
A solution to Europe’s ageing farmer crisis?
He also believes regulatory reform could help reverse the long decline in young farmers. Just 12% of European farmers are under 40, with countries like Belgium reporting only 6% under 35.
“Unlocking fair and equal access to post-patent PPPs would directly help address the declining number of young farmers by lowering barriers to entry and reducing production costs,” Marchesini told AgTechNavigator.
Just 12% of European farmers are under 40, with countries like Belgium reporting only 6% under 35.
ECCA
“One of the biggest challenges facing young people entering agriculture today is the high cost of production combined with low profitability, which is often made worse by limited access to affordable plant protection tools,” he said.
“When markets for post-patent products are distorted or restricted, farmers, especially small and new entrants end up with fewer, more expensive options. Ensuring a level playing field for post-patent products stimulates competition and innovation, making safe, proven and cost-effective solutions available to all farmers across the EU.”
A “fair, predictable and competitive” regulatory environment for post-patent products would help make farming “more accessible and attractive for the next generation”, he added.
Biologicals also key to the future
The ECCA is also calling for faster approval of agricultural biologicals – biopesticides, biostimulants and biofertilisers – which it sees as essential for long-term sustainability.
Post-patent PPPs secure the present, while biologicals shape the future, Marchesini said. “A predictable, well-resourced, and coherent regulatory framework should support both pathways. Post-patent products secure the present resilience of European agriculture, while biologicals drive its long-term sustainability. Together, they form a synergistic toolbox that keeps European farming productive, competitive – and future-ready.”
