Farmers need biopesticides

In a recent article in Farmers Weekly Sean Smith the CEO of biopesticide developer and supplier Eden Research states: 'The British farming community has expressed serious concerns about the clampdown on conventional pesticides, viewing the bans as a threat to productivity. Pesticides are often a critical input and without them, commercial yields can be significantly affected.'

'This is why alternatives to conventional chemistry are essential, along with more integrated approaches to pest and disease control. As things stand, however, the banning or restricting of existing, traditional pesticides is happening at a much swifter rate than the approval of alternative chemicals and new biopesticides, which are pest control formulations derived from natural materials, such as minerals, bacteria, plants, or animals.'

'Farmers are therefore facing a declining choice of crop protection products, with few alternatives approved and ready. This imbalance is making growing conditions more challenging. To counter this, there is a need for regulators, such as the UK’s Chemicals Regulation Directorate, to facilitate quicker approvals for new alternatives.'

'Despite the regulatory lag, sustainable alternatives are becoming available and being applied to all facets of farming. Allowing new sustainable biopesticides to enter the market will help make headway towards greener farming practices, meeting the ethical expectations of UK consumers.'

This is a topic I have worked on with plant scientists for over a decade and I have recently completed a book chapter with Roma Gwyn of Biorationale looking at global developments and in particular the regulatory framework within the EU and whether it inhibits or facilitates adoption of biological alternatives.

Our conclusion is that the agenda for more effective forms of regulation will only be fulfilled with sufficient political support. There is greater interest in biological technologies than in the past and an increased recognition of the contribution they can make to environmentally sustainable solutions to plant protection. This reflects a number of factors, including greater effectiveness on the part of the industry representative body, the IBMA, including a willingness to build coalitions with environmental groups.

It also reflects the greater involvement of major agrochemical companies in the sector as market opportunities improve. However, public knowledge and understanding of biological technologies remains limited and this means that there is no substantial constituency of public support for their greater use. This in turn influences the priority that political decision-makers give towards improving the responsiveness and speed of regulation that allows new products to enter the market.