"WBF Conference: Paving the Way for Global Regulatory Reforms in Bioprotection"

In a recent event, the World BioProtection Forum (WBF) organized a significant conference titled "Bringing Pesticide Regulatory Reform to UK Parliament." Held at the distinguished Palace of Westminster on September 5th, 2023, this conference has brought forth the pressing need for comprehensive regulatory reforms within the bioprotection sector. Attended by esteemed Lords, Members of Parliament (MPs), influential policymakers, and industry leaders, this event has the potential to ignite global reforms addressing concerns that have persisted within the industry for more than three decades. While substantial progress was made during the conference, challenges still remain, as outlined in the following overview.

Tackling 21st Century Challenges:

Dr Minshad Ali Ansari , Founder and Chairman of The World Bioprotection Forum WBF, stressed the critical necessity of regulatory reforms for biopesticides. Current regulations pose significant barriers to the market entry of bioprotectants, contributing to the UK falling behind countries like Spain, Italy, France, and Germany in terms of adopting bioprotection practices. Dr. Ansari highlighted recent policy changes in Brazil as a prime example of how regulatory interventions can transform product uptake, leading to more sustainable agriculture, increased employment, and safer food for consumers.

Barry Gardiner MP provided historical context, underscoring the rise of monocultures and intensive farming following World War II, which, while solving immediate food supply challenges, brought about environmental and safety concerns. Today, the central challenge is to balance global food production with planetary preservation.

The Rt. HON. Natalie Bennett, The Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, stressed the importance of sustainable food production and the role of bioprotectants. She advocated for agroecological approaches based on permaculture principles, highlighting that the current regulatory framework, assessing vastly different products under the same criteria, is both illogical and counterproductive. The Baroness emphasized the UK's potential to lead the way in improving food security and restoring the natural environment through regulatory reform.

Nick Mole, Policy Officer at the Pesticides Action Network (PAN), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives as many chemical pesticides have been banned due to their harmful effects.

The Role of Science:

Carol P. , President of the WBF, shared a poignant example from her family's firm, Oro Agri, illustrating the challenges posed by restrictive regulations in the UK. Despite global effectiveness, their orange oil product could only be marketed in certain regions due to excessive trial demands in the UK. Dr Mark Whittaker , Managing Director of APIS Regulatory Ltd, emphasized that current biopesticide regulations lack scientific basis, with many requested data points being scientifically meaningless for risk assessment.

The True Cost of Regulatory Failure:

The current regulatory system, derived from synthetic chemical regulations, is expensive and time-consuming, affecting companies' investment opportunities, liquidity, and workforce stability. The delay in approvals has forced layoffs, contributing to the "brain drain" phenomenon.

Regulatory challenges are driving companies overseas and affecting job prospects in the UK. This lack of competitiveness impacts the nation's economy, farmer yields, and overall food production.

Proposals for a Better System:

The WBF's White Paper, "Creating the World's Best-in-Class Biopesticide/Bioprotectant Regulatory System," launched in 2022, outlines 26 recommendations for regulatory reform. One key proposal is the separation of regulatory routes for synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, allowing for more suitable risk assessment criteria.

This recommendation aligns with the urgent need to recognize that biopesticides and synthetic pesticides are fundamentally different entities. Unlike synthetic chemicals, biopesticides often comprise living organisms or naturally derived substances, making the current regulatory framework inapplicable. The call for a distinct regulatory category tailored to biopesticides aims to foster a more appropriate and effective risk assessment process that considers their unique characteristics and modes of action.

Taking a Global Lead in the UK:

The UK's post-Brexit commitment to revise regulations presents an opportunity to create a regulatory framework tailored to biopesticides. This change could encourage bioprotection companies to register in the UK, thereby stimulating the economy and job market.

The potential for the UK to lead in this transformative regulatory reform is evident. Dr. Owen Jones , Managing Director and Partner at Lisk & Jones Consultants, emphasized the UK's reputation for conscientious governance, making it an ideal candidate to set global standards. The UK has a unique opportunity to become a beacon of innovation and sustainable agriculture in the bioprotection sector, demonstrating how regulatory reform can benefit businesses, communities, and the environment.

What's Next?

While the conference marked a significant step in recognizing the need for regulatory reform, further work is essential. The UK Government is expected to address this matter in its upcoming National Action Plan (NAP), to be published in October 2023. A separate regulatory category and data requirements tailored to biopesticides are vital to create a more appropriate and effective risk assessment process.

Conclusion:

The bioprotection industry's future success depends on meaningful regulatory reforms, not just creating a low-risk category. The UK has a unique opportunity to lead in green technology and economic growth, benefiting all stakeholders, from companies to consumers. However, industry-wide support and advocacy are crucial to ensure these reforms become a reality.

Together, we can shape a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture through regulatory reform. The WBF, supported by enlightened companies such as Bionema Group Limited , Natural Plant Protection (NPP) (part of UPL), and Rovensa Next , is committed to this cause and invites the industry and individuals to join in this transformative effort. Visit the The World Bioprotection Forum website to become a member or simply donate to the campaign.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous bioprotection industry, benefitting our environment, economy, and future generations.