CropLife UK Publishes New Analysis on EU Plant Protection Products Regulatory Alignment

The AIC notes a newly published report commissioned by CropLife UK: Analysis of the Impact on UK Crop Production of Great Britain Aligning with European Union Rules and Decisions on Plant Protection Products.

Prepared independently by The Andersons Centre, the report examines a range of potential scenarios in which Great Britain’s regulatory decisions on Plant Protection Products (PPPs) are aligned with those of the European Union. It considers how different approaches could influence crop production, the availability of crop protection tools, and broader supply chain dynamics. The analysis draws on publicly available data and expert interviews to model possible implications for growers, agronomists, and the wider agri‑food sector.

AIC has shared impacts of GB alignment with the EU list with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), highlighting how the loss of specific active substances would affect, for example, apple, wheat, and potato production in Great Britain.

Hazel Doonan, Head of Crop Protection at AIC, commented:

“This report is a timely contribution to the ongoing discussion of eventual alignment of the Great Britain Plant Protection Product (PPP) list with that of the European Union. It highlights the importance of a well-managed transition period for any future changes to PPP regulation in GB.

With crops already in the ground, and with the long lead times inherent in crop production and crop protection planning, it is vital that the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) considers these practical realities, and the potential costs for GB, in its negotiations. Ensuring that growers and agronomists have clear visibility of any forthcoming changes will be essential to avoid shocks to PPP availability and crop production, and will enable farmers, growers and agronomists to plan, source and trial cost-effective crop protection solutions.”