UK National Action Plan overlooks biologicals

Without Biologicals, IPM Cannot Succeed.

Biological solutions, including biopesticides, microbial products, and natural repellents, are cornerstones of modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, outdated, slow, costly regulatory systems hinder their integration into UK agriculture.

The NAP promotes IPM but does not provide a pathway to ensure farmers can access the tools necessary for its implementation. This oversight makes the plan aspirational rather than actionable. WBF warns that IPM cannot function effectively without a strong pipeline of registered biologicals to replace withdrawn chemical pesticides.

Biologicals Still Trapped in a Chemical Framework

Despite widespread scientific agreement that biopesticides are safer, break down more quickly, and pose significantly less risk to human health and the environment, they are still evaluated under a regulatory system designed for synthetic chemicals.

The UK continues to operate under EU Regulation 1107/2009, a framework that subjects all pesticide products—regardless of their risk profile—to the same level of scrutiny. Consequently, biologicals may take 4 to 5 years to register in the UK. In the EU, this process can extend even longer—6 to 7 years—without prioritising low-risk solutions.

In stark contrast, Brazil and other Latin American countries have embraced progressive regulatory models that permit the assessment and approval of biologicals in as little as 12 months. These frameworks are based on risk proportionality, facilitating swift adoption without sacrificing safety or efficacy.

DEFRA Must Act Now

The WBF has engaged with DEFRA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for several years to highlight this area's lack of regulatory innovation. In March 2024, the Forum hosted a Westminster conference in 2023 with policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to present clear evidence and offer practical solutions. The message was consistent and unified:

“Biologicals must be prioritised, and the UK should establish a dedicated, fast-track registration pathway that acknowledges their low-risk status and crucial role in sustainable farming.”

The WBF has also published a White Paper outlining how the UK can reform its regulatory approach post-Brexit. Unfortunately, the NAP fails to reflect any of these proposals, nor does it reference the need for timelines, provisional authorisations, or support for innovation in the biological space.

Farmers Face a Dangerous Gap

Chemical pesticides are being phased out due to environmental and health concerns, but there is no rapid system to fill the gap with biological alternatives. This widening void makes farmers vulnerable—unable to access new solutions yet restricted from using conventional ones.

WBF Chair and Founder Dr. Minshad Ansari warns:

“We are heading toward a future where UK farmers will be left without effective tools to manage pests and diseases. If the government continues to delay biopesticide reform, it will threaten food security, environmental targets, and international business.”

The Call for a Five-Point Reform Plan

To unlock the potential of biological crop protection, the World BioProtection Forum is urging the UK Government to implement the following reforms without delay:

1. A Dedicated Biologicals Strategy

Introduce a national policy and funding framework that prioritises developing, commercialising, and adopting biological crop protection products.

2. A Fast-Track Registration Pathway

Develop a risk-based, proportionate regulatory process for biopesticides, aiming for a timeline of 12–18 months, modelled on international best practices.

3. Post-Brexit Regulatory Independence

Depart from EU Regulation 1107/2009 and create a UK-specific framework designed for the unique characteristics of biological products, utilising science-based risk assessment.

4. Support for SMEs and Innovation

To accelerate innovation, offer technical and financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including grants and reductions in registration fees.

5. Demonstration and Adoption Programmes

Initiate government-supported on-farm trials, public procurement programs, and demonstration projects to assess the effectiveness of biologicals and promote farmer adoption.

The Time for Consultation Is Over

The biological sector does not seek shortcuts or diminished safety standards. It demands fairness, clarity, and urgency—a system that aligns regulation with risk and innovation with opportunity.

The UK has the chance to become a global leader in sustainable crop protection and post-Brexit regulatory reform. But this cannot happen if we continue to delay the registration of solutions already proven safe, effective, and aligned with our climate and biodiversity goals.

WBF Remains Committed

The World BioProtection Forum will continue to advocate for a more progressive and science-aligned regulatory framework. We remain committed to working with DEFRA, HSE, and UK policymakers to develop a modern system that empowers innovation, protects public health, and ensures farmers can deliver secure and sustainable food production.

Until then, the message is clear:

Without biologicals, the goals of the NAP—and the future of IPM—cannot be achieved.

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