United Kingdom
January 24, 2024
In the evolving landscape of farming, biological products are increasingly becoming a topic of interest. Understanding the regulatory environment for these solutions, especially in post-Brexit UK, can be complex. This article explains the current rules for biostimulants and biocontrols, exploring how they shape product development and market dynamics.
Regulatory Landscape of Biological Products in the UK
Biostimulants and biocontrols are regulated differently in the UK:
The regulations differ because biocontrol products target specific pests or diseases, whilst biostimulants target crop and soil health for stronger growth.
says Gillian Colman, Portfolio Manager at Syngenta UK (picture below).
The UK currently has more freedom with biostimulant use than the EU, having left the EU just before its biostimulant regulations were implemented. While UK standards may eventually align with the EU's, Syngenta proactively adheres to anticipated future regulations for our biostimulant products.
Market Dynamics of Biostimulants
Currently, there are no specific regulations for biostimulants in the UK. This regulatory gap makes it easier for companies to bring biostimulant products to market compared to crop protection products, which are subject to stricter controls and approval processes. Gillian Colman explains:.
While this can accelerate innovation, it also presents a challenge as it makes the biostimulants market crowded and difficult to navigate in terms of differentiating between products with proven claims and those without.
As a research-based company, Syngenta values regulatory frameworks based on clear definitions and proven claims. This is why Syngenta seeks to obtain CE (European Conformity) marking for all biological products, which indicates the product meets EU safety, health and environmental protection standards. The UK Government has laid legislation to continue recognition of the current EU requirements for CE marking, and is therefore a valid form of identifying minimum product standards in Great Britain.
Biostimulants sold in the EU must be registered, and therefore many of the Syngenta biostimulants available in the UK have been through a legal process where product claims are confirmed by providing appropriate technical documentation.
This is the case with VIXERAN®, which has been legally recognised for the claim to "Improve nutrient use efficiency (Nitrogen)". The same applies to QUANTIS®, which has received certification for the claim "Tolerance to abiotic stress (specifically heat stress) in broad acre crops including potatoes".
The Pathway for Biocontrols
With biocontrols falling under crop protection regulations, they're subjected to a long, multi-year testing process and require results from field trials before receiving regulatory approval. These requirements mean product labels for biocontrols must provide all the information needed to understand what a product is and its mechanism of operation.
For all Syngenta's biological products, both biocontrols and biostimulants, we have based our labels on our crop protection labelling so all the required information is clear and in a familiar format. On this point, Gillian Colman stresses:
This approach also means that our products are likely to meet future standards, and when regulations change, we're ready and can continue supplying you with the products you're familiar with.
Climate Change and Future Regulatory Changes
Biological products have an important role to play in both plant health and crop protection. As the impacts of climate change continue to be seen and felt, and conventional chemistry leaves the market, this need is only going to increase.
With farmers under increasing pressure to consider sustainability in their farming practices, reduce chemical use and look after soil health for future generations, the importance of the biological products market is only set to grow.
GIllian Colman concludes.
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