To top

Call


Call for a proposal regarding the regulation of biological control agents (BCAs) in the Sixth Framework Program of the EU

Call identifier: FP6-2004-SSP-4

Click here to forward to CORDIS Sixth Framework Program


1.2 Tools and assessment methods for sustainable agriculture and forestry management

As set out in the CAP reform package 2003, developing forms of agriculture which are both ecologically sound and economically viable will require new and powerful tools and assessment methods for the management of European agriculture and forestry. Sustainable agriculture production systems: development of a basis for policies to promote sustainable, quality-based agriculture production systems, including non-food agriculture, and their interactions. Research activities will focus on improving sustainable, quality-based crop and animal production systems (including non-food products and uses) and developing techno-economic references to support the EU legislation. Research support is needed for the following fields: Research into the further development of EU legislation on organic farming, specifically research issues arising from the annexes to the EU regulation on organic farming:

Task 4- Biological Control Agents - Developing a balanced system for registration, including Macroorganisms, Microbial Biopesticides, Plant Extracts and Semiochemicals. Despite considerable research efforts on biological and natural control agents (macroorganisms, microbial plant protection products, plant derived substances and semiochemicals) the number of such products on the market in Europe is currently still extremely low, compared 		to other countries, e.g. the USA and Canada. Due to their nature and specificity of action, as well as dependence on environmental factors, these agents and substances generally called biopesticides cannot be treated like synthetic chemicals and therefore they need a different approach for registration purposes. The aim of the task is to review current legislation, guidelines and guidance documents at Member State and EU level and compare this with similar legislation in other countries where the introduction of new biopesticides has proven to be more successful. Based on specific input by researchers and involved product developers, proposals for appropriate and balanced regulatory testing of new biopesticides should be designed, provided that no compromises are made to the level of safety. A coordination action should yield a proposal for a balanced regulatory environment which could lead to better access to biopesticides for growers and farmers and therefore to further reductions in the use of chemical pesticides. The results could serve as a scientific basis for reviewing current legislation and guidance for biopesticides. The project has strong relevance to SMEs as the end-users.