Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa can be used to protect plants, as some of them are parasites or pathogens of insects or other organisms that are pests or cause disease in plants. Because of their biological properties, these micro-organisms have been used world-wide (including in the EU) for decades in the biological control of pests and plant diseases.
Micro-organisms are naturally occurring in the environment and the strains with the best properties are those used in biological control to fight pests and diseases in crop protection.
However, before micro-organism are allowed to be used, it needs to be verified that their use is safe and has no negative consequences for human and animal health or towards other non-target organisms.
On 8 February 2022, Member States endorsed four implementing Regulations which amend the current rules applicable to micro-organisms. The new rules reflect the latest scientific developments and are based on the specific biological properties of micro-organisms.
The new rules will facilitate the approval of micro-organisms for use as active substances in plant protection products and the authorisation of products containing them. The purpose being that farmers across the European Union have better access to biological alternatives to chemical pesticides and can protect their crops in a more sustainable manner.
The new rules are fully aligned with the ambitions of the European Green Deal and will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy.
Source: European Commission, Feb. 08, 2022