Press Releases

Farmers and Biocontrol Industry Unite for a Sustainable Future

IBMA and COPA and COGECA present their 3rd Joint Roadmap

Brussels, 25 September 2025 – Yesterday, IBMA, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association, and COPA and COGECA, proudly present their 3rd Joint Roadmap on the future of sustainable plant protection in the European Union. This significant event marks a collaborative effort to enhance the integration of biocontrol solutions into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices across all European agriculture over the next five years. 

The event was hosted by MEP Herbert Dorfmann (EPP, IT), and co-hosted by MEP Cristina Guarda (European Greens, IT) and MEP Benoît Cassart (Renew, BE). The panel included Raffael Buonatesta, FytoFend SA CEO and IBMA member, Johann Meierhöffer, vicechair of Copa and Cogeca’s Working Party on Plant Health from DBV; Rudolfs Pulkstenis, Vicepresident of CEJA and Joris Baecke, Dutch arable farmer using biocontrol and Vice-President ZLTO Netherlands

“Biocontrols are essential tools for the future of the agricultural sector in Europe. However, clear legislative input and a decisive improvement in the conditions for commercialising these products are necessary to develop their full potential for our farmers.” MEP Dorfmann, European People’s Party 

Biocontrol is a key element of sustainable crop protection. The Joint Roadmap outlines key priorities aimed at fostering innovation and improving regulatory frameworks, starting with a clear and harmonised definition, to facilitate and accelerate the access of these tools to the EU market.

‘’A key step in building the food system of the future is to accelerate the approval of biocontrol solutions. Today, it can take up to ten years for a new product to reach the market. If we are serious about moving away from chemical pesticides, farmers must have access to safe, effective and sustainable alternatives. This is precisely the sense of our work as Greens on the INI report in Parliament, and of course we expect the Commission’s forthcoming proposal to make biocontrol a real priority for Europe’s farmers and citizens.’’ MEP Guarda, European Greens

By doing so, it seeks to give access to farmers to more plant protection tools without compromising yields, competitiveness or the health of the environment and consumers, and to empower them to tackle pest challenges with safe, affordable, and effective solutions at hand.This initiative provides an opportunity to maximise integration of biocontrol into mainstream EU farming practices.

“Biocontrols should be part of a broad toolbox for our farmers. By accelerating authorisation process, simplifying rules especially for SMEs, and fostering investment in Europe, we can boost competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of European agriculture while giving farmers the innovative solutions they need to address the multiple challenges they are currently facing.’’ MEP Cassart, Renew Europe

Key Actions in the Roadmap:

  1. Establish a clear and harmonised definition of biocontrol Plant Protection Products (PPPs) at the EU level.
  2. Ensure efficient and transparent approval processes for low-risk and biocontrol PPPs.
  3. Enhance EU-wide mutual recognition and prioritisation of biocontrol solutions.
  4. Strengthen resources and expertise for biocontrol.
  5. Support the uptake of biocontrol tools by farmers through financial incentives.

In a nutshell, the future of sustainable agriculture and plant protection in the EU depends on adapting to the realities of farms, targeted research, and accelerating the adoption of biocontrol and other innovative plant protection tools. Achieving this will require clear regulatory frameworks, efficient approval processes, robust training, and targeted financial support.

About Copa-Cogeca and IBMA

Copa-Cogeca represents the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU.

IBMA is the leading association for biocontrol manufacturers with over 200 members worldwide. Together, they are committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through innovative biocontrol solutions.

You can download the joint roadmap here

For more information:

Paula de Vera
Senior Policy Advisor
Plant Health, Animal Health and Welfare, EU Projects
paula.devera@copa-cogeca.eu
0032 (0) 478 18 99 06

Isabelle Pinzauti Babrzyński
IBMA Senior Advocacy and Outreach Manager
isabelle.pinzauti@ibma-global.org
0032 (0) 497 69 58 42