Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009: The Gatekeeper of Plant Protection in Organic Farming. Edition 527

"Organic farming isn’t just about avoiding chemicals; it’s about building a system where nature defends itself." — European Commission on Organic Agriculture

For young professionals stepping into the organic food industry, regulatory frameworks can feel like a maze—full of numbers, technical jargon, and complex approvals. But here’s the deal: if you want to make an impact in organic agriculture, you must understand one of its biggest legal pillars—Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This regulation is not just another rulebook. It is the EU’s first line of defense against harmful pesticides, ensuring that only the safest, most sustainable plant protection products (PPPs) make it into European agriculture. And when it comes to organic farming, the standards are even higher.

"Every chemical we allow into our fields today decides the food safety of tomorrow." — EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 is the EU law that controls what plant protection products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) can be used in agriculture. It ensures that human health comes first, meaning no substance gets approved if it poses risks to consumers, farmers, or workers. Environmental safety is non-negotiable, as products must not harm groundwater, pollinators, or biodiversity. Scientific assessment rules the game, with EFSA and national authorities scrutinizing every product before approval. For organic farming, these rules are even stricter because Regulation (EU) 2018/848 prioritizes natural and preventive measures over chemical interventions.

"If nature can fix a problem, let it. If it can’t, use only what is absolutely necessary." — EU Organic Farming Directive

Regulation (EU) 2018/848 insists that organic farmers must first rely on natural defenses like crop rotation to break pest cycles naturally, beneficial insects such as ladybugs or predatory wasps to control aphids, and physical barriers like row covers, mulching, or hand weeding. But what happens if pests or weeds still threaten the crop? This is where Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 steps in. It allows only a limited list of substances that have been scientifically tested and approved for minimal impact, align with organic farming principles, and are subject to strict application rules regarding dosage, timing, and usage conditions. Not every pesticide that is legal in conventional farming is allowed in organic farming. If a farmer misuses or applies a non-approved product, the farm loses its organic certification—a costly mistake that can ruin credibility.

"Organic certification is not just a stamp—it’s a trust contract between farmers and consumers." — Organil Services

If you’re entering the organic industry, you must understand these regulations. Whether you’re working in compliance, certification, or even marketing organic products, knowing how plant protection products are regulated will make you stand out, as organic brands and certification bodies need professionals who grasp the legal framework. It will help you ensure compliance since a single non-compliant action can destroy a farm’s organic status, and it will strengthen consumer trust, as shoppers pay a premium for organic because they trust the system. Regulations like (EC) No 1107/2009 make that trust possible.

"The next frontier of organic farming isn’t fewer pesticides; it’s better, smarter, and nature-friendly solutions." — EU Green Deal 2030

The EU is already moving towards tighter pesticide restrictions under the Farm to Fork Strategy. Future policies will likely promote more biocontrol products, such as microbial-based solutions instead of synthetic chemicals; green chemistry innovations, which involve safer, biodegradable plant protection formulas; and lower maximum residue limits (MRLs), making organic food even cleaner. For professionals in the organic food sector, staying ahead of these changes isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 might seem like dry legal text, but in reality, it’s the foundation of organic food integrity. It protects farmers, consumers, and ecosystems by ensuring that only the safest, most ethical plant protection products enter the system. If you want to be a serious player in the organic food industry, mastering these regulations will set you apart.

At Organil Services, we help food professionals, farmers, and organic brands navigate the complex world of certification, compliance, and sustainability. Want to stay ahead? Let’s connect.

Organil Services Mobi/Whatsapp +91 8606551335 , Email [email protected]

www.organil.org