An important part of this course adjustment is accelerating the approval of organic pesticides. Current procedures often take a long time and are complicated, which means new products only become available to farmers after years. The European institutions are therefore looking for ways to make these procedures simpler and faster, without completely abandoning the necessary controls.
With this, the EU aims to create space for new agricultural techniques that can contribute to more sustainable farming. The focus is not only on the development of new effective 'green' substances, but also on better production methods, formulations, and applications.
Organic
The adjustments are not limited to crop protection. European rules for organic farming are also being revised. Practical regulations for farmers and livestock keepers are being reviewed, while the rules for importing organic products from countries outside the European Union are also being reconsidered. These changes are intended to better align the rules with daily practice without losing sight of the principles of organic farming.
Promotion
Negotiations on the new proposals are currently underway among the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the governments of the EU member states. This revision has thus evolved into a broad reform of European agricultural policy in this area.
More Market Opportunities
Moreover, the European plans are motivated by the desire to further grow the organic sector. In several EU countries, the expansion of organic farming is proceeding more slowly than previously intended. According to involved organizations, not only well-functioning rules are needed, but also a larger market for organic products. Without sufficient demand, investments in conversion remain uncertain for many businesses.
At the same time, several food organizations link the reforms to the effects of climate change. They point out that agricultural systems must become more resilient to drought, heat, diseases, and other disturbances. Increased biodiversity, a greater variety of crops, and better-adapted plant varieties are seen as important building blocks for a more resilient food system.