EU policy momentum around biocontrol is accelerating. In November 2025, the European Parliament adopted its own-initiative report calling for faster approval and uptake of biocontrol solutions.
The report outlined potential measures including clearer definitions of biocontrol, streamlined approval procedures, improved mutual recognition between Member States and provisional authorisation pathways.
Policy reforms aim to speed up access to biocontrol solutions
The European Commission’s Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package, published in December 2025, built on this momentum by proposing targeted amendments to EU Regulation 1107/2009 (EU regulation concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market). The package aims to accelerate market access for biocontrol substances and products to support innovation and ensure farmers have timely access to sustainable crop protection tools.
Key proposed amendments include establishing an EU-level definition for biocontrol active substances and their products, prioritising approval and authorisation procedures for biocontrol, enabling provisional authorisation options, creating a single EU zone for biocontrol and low‑risk products to improve equitable access, and more.
Supporting biocontrol visibility across the EU
As EU policy reforms progress, access to reliable, independent information on biocontrol products and registrations is becoming increasingly important for agricultural stakeholders across the EU – from growers and advisors to regulators, distributors, and policymakers.
The CABI BioProtection Portal is uniquely positioned to support this need. As a free searchable directory of nationally registered biocontrol and biopesticide products across several EU member states, it addresses diverse needs:
- Makes biocontrol products more visible and discoverable across countries
- Supports evidence-based decisions for sustainable crop protection
- Helps stakeholders stay informed as registrations evolve
- Offers a clear, independent view of biocontrol availability in real time
Together, this helps farmers, advisors, manufacturers and regulators to keep abreast of what products are available in different countries and identify possible market gaps or opportunities.
Key partnerships driving biocontrol visibility
The Portal’s public–private partnership model is one of its greatest strengths. CABI collaborates with:
- Regulators, who rely on transparent and accessible data
- Manufacturers and distributors, including industry alliances such as the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), who benefit from increased visibility and market insights
- Agricultural researchers and advisory networks, who bring technical expertise
- Industry bodies from across the agricultural value chain, who can use the Portal to assess their options for safer and more sustainable crop protection.
Expanding access to reliable information
By improving visibility and access to information, the Portal increasingly promotes transparency, informed decision making and broader adoption of biocontrol solutions across EU agriculture in line with evolving regulations. As a neutral platform, it supports private and public sector collaboration, providing insights across countries that can support regional approaches.
By expanding into more EU countries, it will help build a comprehensive overview of bioprotection availability, supporting policy ambitions, industry innovation, and the practical needs of growers transitioning toward more sustainable systems
