Biostimulant industry sleepwalking into oblivion?

Are the biostimulant industry and all those involved in sustainable farming sleepwalking into becoming purveyors & users of banned substances?

There is an urgent need for all those involved with the sale and use of biostimulants in the UK to wake up and smell the coffee…. Why?

For most of us we think what happens in Europe stays in Europe; we couldn’t be more wrong! This is not the case, many regulations continue to affect us and of particular concern is the EU Fertiliser Regulation (EC) 219/1009, which has already become part of UK law due to the Withdrawal Legislation.

This regulation will come into force in 2022 and will require manufacturers and suppliers of biostimulants to complete field trials to the same level required for pesticide registration. However, they will not be able to make any claims for plant strengthening and reduction of biotic stress, something that has been a major benefit from the use of many biostimulants in the UK and overseas.

During April RSK ADAS Ltd, undertook Project 31280 “Creating an Enabling Regulatory Environment for Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers” to evaluate regulatory approaches to biostimulants.  An email survey of the industry (sent to 60 companies) of which the return rate a week before the closing date was 25%. Do the other 75% not care that as from 2022 they may no longer be able to sell their biostimulant products in the UK!

This is a call to all colleagues, competitors, researchers, farmers and growers, manufacturers and importers who sell, use or research biostimulants to come forward and let ADAS know your thoughts on this proposed legislation by e-mailing Biostimulants@adas.co.uk .

A number of concerned parties have formed a protest group under the banner of the British Biostimulant Efficacy and Safety Group; please get in touch with us so we can co-ordinate actions to be ready for the industry consultation that is due out in the summer.

Please be in no doubt that urgent action is needed.