The decision of the European Parliament that stands in the way of sustainable agriculture.
On 22 November 2023, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly against the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR), generating overall concern from the agricultural sector specialising in biological control. Companies like Biocontrol Technologies, who develop materials based on microorganisms, see it as a missed opportunity for farmers who use natural and organic measures.
The SUR, despite not receiving the parliamentary backing it needs, showed significant contributions to making registering biological products easier, as well as aiming to bring agricultural legislation into line with key initiatives like the Green Deal (European Green Deal) and the Farm to Fork strategy. Not only would the proposal provide a unified definition of biological control, it also offered a quicker authorisation process for essential alternatives in pest control.
The refusal by the parliament comes at a time when global biodiversity is in danger. Climate change is affecting Europe’s farmers and citizens are demanding more environmental protection. This measure leaves European agriculture at a disadvantage in its search for more sustainable agricultural practices.
The lack of support for this sector from the European Parliament is endangering the livelihoods of Europe’s farmers, as it puts them at a disadvantage against competition from other countries that do support greener agriculture.
The biological control industry, strongly affected by this decision, remains committed to its view to contribute significantly to sustainability and food security. Companies like Biocontrol Technologies continue to vouch for a clear and uniform regulation that promotes these types of materials, which are safe for both the environment and the consumer.
Although the European Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the Sustainable Use Regulation, the European Commission remains firm in its commitment to promote sustainable agricultural practices and emphasises that the SUR did not represent a problem for agriculture, but rather an opportunity to advance towards more sustainable practices.
The Commission has expressed its determination to explore new legislative channels to promote the adoption of new environmental measures in the agricultural sector, something that many companies in the sector share as they implement more sustainable practices. Such is the case with the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA),led by Jennifer Lewis, who expressed her dismay at the Parliament’s decision, and highlighted the inclusion of the SUR in a unified definition of biological control and the possibility of a quicker authorisation for essential alternatives in pest and disease control.
