Why Europe’s Farmers Need a Stronger Toolbox

15 January 2026, EU: Europe’s farmers are being asked to deliver more: on sustainability, climate resilience and food security. Meanwhile the crop protection toolbox available to them continues to shrink. 

Since May 2019 (6.5 years), EU growers have lost a net 89 crop protection solutions (conventional pesticides and biopesticides). This includes a net loss of 84 conventional active substances and a net loss of 5 biological. Over the same period, not a single new conventional pesticide has been approved.

At the same time, innovation is not reaching the field fast enough. What makes this situation especially frustrating is that innovation in agriculture worldwide is progressing at remarkable speed.  Europe has the scientific expertise to lead globally in sustainable agriculture, yet much of this potential remains locked in a slow and fragmented regulatory system. 

Farmers need access to a balanced modern toolbox, including conventional and biological solutions, alongside digital and precision tools, backed by a system that is more agile, science-based and predictable, while maintain the EU’s high standard of protection. 

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