Regulations: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Brazil: National Development Bank Accelerates Bio-input Deployment through Family Farming Financing Program

Europe: Towards an Evolution of the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Drones in Crop Protection

As the demand for sustainable agriculture rises, drones are emerging as essential tools for European farmers. However, current regulations hinder their adoption. An initiative from 15 member states calls for a modernization of guidelines to integrate these innovative technologies.

Europe Grants First Emergency Approval for RNA Insecticide Against Potato Beetle in Belgium

This marks a first in Europe. Belgian authorities have granted an emergency use authorization for Calantha®, an innovative RNA-based insecticide aimed at combating the potato beetle during the 2026 growing season. Calantha® has been developed to meet environmental standards, with no detectable residues on crops. It is designed to be safe for bees and other non-target organisms, addressing growing environmental expectations.

Fungicides in Orchards: Summit Agro Expands Prolivo Use Against Powdery Mildew on Apple and Cherry

Summit Agro USA has announced the expansion of the Prolivo 300SC fungicide label to include control of powdery mildew on apples and cherries (except in California and New York), enhancing its use in high-value specialty crops. Prolivo is notable for its ability to inhibit lesion formation and sporulation, while providing extended protection through its redistribution and vapor activity, thus safeguarding a larger portion of foliage and fruit during critical disease management periods.

Brussels Revises Pesticide Residue Thresholds: Trade, Competitiveness, and Agricultural Innovation Challenges

Ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding maximum residue levels (MRLs), market access standards ensuring consumer exposure to pesticide residues remains within safe limits, could have significant implications for food safety, supply chains, and innovation. CropLife Europe calls for a rigorous impact assessment to ensure any legislative changes are evidence-based and consider overall economic and trade effects.

Blight-resistant potatoes: Switzerland tests new selection techniques without foreign DNA

Agroscope (Swiss competence center in agronomic and agri-food research) is conducting a trial on cisgenic blight-resistant potatoes, authorized by the Federal Office for the Environment. This project aims to develop varieties without foreign DNA, thereby reducing the need for plant protection products and improving resistance to extreme climatic conditions.

Nano-Fertilizers: Meghmani Crop Nutrition Secures Approval for Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc in India

Meghmani Organics Limited announced that its subsidiary Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd has received approval from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture to produce nano fertilizers, including Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc. This initiative aims to meet the growing needs of Indian farmers for crop nutrition. Nano fertilizers are designed to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce waste. Production will commence at the Sanand plant in Gujarat.

New Genomic Techniques: European Agri-Food Industry Calls for Regulatory Framework Validation

As the plenary vote approaches, a broad coalition of stakeholders in the European agri-food value chain urges Members of the European Parliament to support the adoption of regulations on plants derived from new genomic techniques (NGT). They emphasize the need for a clear legal framework to enhance the sector's competitiveness and sustainability, while highlighting the importance of distinguishing between conventional-type NGT plants and those subject to GMO legislation.

Biotalys Secures EPA Approval for EVOCA, Refocusing on Biofungicides

Biotalys reaches a key milestone with the EPA's approval of its biofungicide EVOCA, validating its AGROBODY™ technology platform. Concurrently, the Belgian company forms a strategic partnership with AgroFresh to strengthen its post-harvest positions and refocuses its efforts on advanced biofungicide programs. Despite losses in 2025, the company aims for an EVOCA NG launch in the U.S. by 2029, in a market estimated at over one billion dollars.

India: Agrochemical Industry Warns of Data Protection Risks

The Indian Crop Protection Federation (CCFI) warns of the consequences of introducing data protection in the Indian agrochemical sector. CCFI President Deepak Shah emphasizes that data exclusivity could create monopolies, delay the arrival of generic products, and increase costs for farmers, while undermining India's competitiveness in the global market.