Dublin PP Symposium 2024 – Update from Portugal in the Southern Zone

Dublin PP Symposium 2024 – Update from Portugal in the Southern Zone

Paulo Lourenço, Agronomic Engineer, Country Registration Manager at BASF, Public Governmental Affairs and Sustainability Manager spoke at the recent Dublin Plant Protection   Symposium, presented by Kerona Scientific Ltd. Paulo explained the European and National challenges faced by plant protection product (PPP) companies and farmers within the Southern Zone under the current PPP Regulation.

Paulo focused on the national challenge of Article 43 since a large proportion of active ingredients found mainly in conventional synthetic products are obtaining a non-renewal decision or there use only is granted under greenhouse conditions. More than 100 active substances have  expiry dates within the next two years, which can be translated into more active substances being withdrawn. A similar trend is observed in new active substances having a low number of approvals not only in Europe but at a global level. This situation is becoming a cause for concern for Southern Zone countries in Europe where the number of pests and diseases is larger due to their climatic conditions and where the reduced number of available products is complicating the management of pest resistance by farmers.

Paulo highlighted the important role of precision farming and newer technologies in combatting some of these obstacles., He noted that technology is one of the pillars of sustainable production as it reduces the risks linked to the use of active substances. However, there is a huge gap between what is being actually done on farms with what is happening at EU level during the evaluation process of active substances, as the current active substance approval process is evaluated using Guidance Documents published by EFSA and other official entities that have very limited considerations of new alternatives and technologies during the assessment of active substances.

To conclude, Paulo suggested implementing risk mitigation measures with effective integration of exposure and risk reduction technologies in the critical moments of the assessment process. Harmonisation on the use of these technologies at a zonal and national level will minimize the quantity of active substances that will fail in the future.

If you missed the Dublin Plant Protection Symposium, please contact Kerona if you wish to purchase a copy of the presentations. For assistance with the Regulation of PPP in the EU and UK the Kerona Regulatory team can be contacted at info@kerona.ie