The vision on agrochemicals in EU agriculture

This debate brings together experts to discuss the practical, scientific, and political dimensions of the EU’s strategy on production, use and trade of agrochemicals.

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The EU chemical industry is highly regulated, so it is the use and trade agrochemical products. The Vision on Agriculture and Food, released on February 19 2025, has explained the strategy of the European Commission on the future of agrochemicals. The Commission aims to align production standards for imported products with EU values, particularly focusing on food safety and environmental protection. The ambition of the Vision poses technical and political challenges needing reflections and evidence-based recommendations. For instance, the ban on the most hazardous agrochemicals, already prohibited in the EU for health and environmental reasons, from entering the EU market via imports, requires reflections to preserve the competitiveness and resilience of the agri-food sector. In its efforts to reduce harmful agrochemicals use, the EU acknowledges the introduction of alternatives like biological or low-risk plant protection products, including a fast-track procedure for their market entry and provisional authorizations for products still under evaluation. Additionally, the Commission will address the export of hazardous chemicals, including pesticides, banned within the EU1.

This event brings together experts to discuss the practical, scientific, and political dimensions of the EU’s strategy on production, use and trade of agrochemicals. It will offer a platform to explore the potential impacts on European farmers, industries, and international trade relations. The webinar will address how these policies can shape the future of agriculture and food systems, while also considering their broader global impact.

Programme

14.00 – 14.10     Introductory Speech

Fabio Santeramo | University of Foggia and EUI

14.10 – 14.15     Presentation of the speakers

Julie Pellizzari | EUI

14.15 – 14.35    The Regulation of Pesticides in the EU in the context of the Vision for Agriculture and Food

Klaus BEREND | Director – Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission

14.35 – 14.55    The common agricultural policy and crop protection

Gijs SCHILTHUIS | Director – Sustainability, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission

14.55 – 15.00     Environmental technical measures on agrochemicals

Emilia Lamonaca | University of Foggia

15.00 – 15.05    Pesticide regulatory heterogeneity and agricultural value chains

Dela-Dem Doe Fiankor | University of Goettingen

15.05 – 15.15    Q&A with business representatives

Paolo Marchesini | General Manager, ECCA – European Crop Care Association

Martin Dermine | Executive Director, PAN Europe – Pesticide Action Network Europe

15.15 – 15.25    Q&A with the audience

15.25 – 15.30    Concluding remarks

The webinar is aimed at scholars, professionals, and experts in the fields of agriculture, environmental science, policy, and international trade. Attendees are expected to have a strong interest in agrochemicals regulation, food safety, and environmental protection.