Rethinking crop protection: EU trends in low-risk and basic substances as alternatives to conventional pesticides.

Background

Plant protection products (PPPs) are essential tools for crop protection, but their regulatory framework in the European Union (EU) has evolved significantly with Regulation (EC) no. 1107/2009, which harmonized approval criteria and strengthened safety requirements. In parallel, increasing policy pressure linked to sustainability strategies has promoted the transition from conventional chemical active substances to lower-impact alternatives. This study aims to analyze trends in the approval and expiry of active substances, with a focus on low-risk and basic substances within the EU regulatory context.

Results

Analysis of the EU Pesticides Database over the period 2011-2025 shows that overall approvals remained relatively stable (≈20-30 per year), with peaks in 2011 (49 approvals) and 2022 (52 approvals). Approvals of candidate-for-substitution substances declined markedly, reaching 0-1 per year after 2020. By contrast, low-risk substances increased, peaking in 2022 with 31 approvals. Basic substances emerged in 2014 but remained limited in number. A total of 65 microbial active substances were approved (30 classified as low-risk), with a peak in 2023 (14 approvals). Currently, 73 microorganisms are approved, of which 41% are low-risk. Expirations increased over time, mainly affecting conventional chemical substances.

Conclusion

EU regulatory policies are effectively driving a transition toward lower-risk active substances, particularly microorganisms and semiochemicals. However, this shift remains uneven across sectors, with limited alternatives in areas such as weed management. While supporting environmental and health objectives, the transition highlights the need for further innovation and policy support to ensure effective, scalable and sustainable crop protection solutions. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.