AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Concerns Over Regulatory Delays in Brazil's Organic Market Expansion

The Brazilian biocontrol product market reached 1.82 billion reais in the first half of 2026, marking a 9.6% year-on-year increase. Treated areas grew even faster, up 18.3% to 46.2 million hectares. However, this momentum is hindered by the slow implementation of Law 15.070/2024, which is intended to provide a suitable regulatory framework for the development of biological inputs.

EU Renews Conditional Approval for Spinosad Insecticide

The European Union has renewed the approval of spinosad, a biological insecticide used in both conventional and organic agriculture, particularly against thrips. Marketed by Corteva under the brand Qalcova active, this substance remains valuable amid the reduction of available solutions for certain crops. The renewal comes with restrictions aimed at protecting pollinators and mandates a review of national authorizations for the affected products.

Biocontrol: French Industry Urges Europe to Expand Fast-Track Procedures

Alliance Biocontrôle urges the European Parliament to support an ambitious regulatory framework for biocontrol, in light of a Council mandate deemed insufficient. Simplifying procedures and clearly distinguishing biocontrol from low-risk substances is crucial to foster innovation and address current agricultural challenges. European farmers, facing technical deadlocks, need rapid solutions for the agroecological transition.

Reducing Cadmium Limits in Fertilizers: A Public Health Challenge

Starting in 2027, the cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers will be gradually reduced, with goals aimed at protecting human health and the environment. These new regulations seek to align French standards with those of the European Union while limiting the input of heavy metals and organic trace elements in fertilizers, in order to preserve the quality of agricultural soils and support a sustainable circular economy.

Moroccan SweetCott Mandarin Secures European Protection Until 2056

The SweetCott mandarin, developed by Les Domaines, received a community plant variety protection title on September 7, 2026, valid until 2056. This recognition, following rigorous evaluations, secures the marketing of this late-maturing variety, which is distinguished by its taste characteristics and its ability to meet international market demands.

India Transitions to Digital Licensing System for Pesticides

Starting September 15, 2026, India will implement a fully digital licensing system for pesticides, replacing decades of paper-based compliance. This reform aims to modernize regulations, enhance product traceability, and increase transparency in a rapidly growing agrochemical market. Concerns remain regarding the ability of smaller players to adapt to these new digital requirements.

Switzerland Enhances Patent Transparency in Plant Breeding

The revision of patent law in Switzerland imposes a disclosure requirement for patented characteristics of plant varieties, thereby providing greater certainty to breeders in the development of new varieties. This measure, adopted by the Federal Council, aims to stimulate innovation by clarifying intellectual property rights and facilitating access to the European market for Swiss breeders.

Slovakia Opposes New Genomic Techniques Regulation in Europe

The Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has decided to challenge the European regulation that relaxes rules on new genomic techniques, allowing for the development of more resilient plants. This decision follows the European Parliament's approval of these techniques, which raise concerns among environmental advocates.

Update on Equipment to Reduce Spray Drift in Agriculture

The French Association for Adjuvants has updated its list of equipment designed to reduce the spray drift of phytosanitary products, specifying reduction levels ranging from 66% to 95%. This update specifically targets low crops, viticulture, and arboriculture, emphasizing the importance of using approved equipment to benefit from regulatory adaptations of Non-Treated Zones. Approved adjuvants also play a complementary role in optimizing spraying.

India Restricts Glyphosate Use for Safety Reasons

India's Registration Commission has decided to restrict glyphosate use, mandating that its application be carried out only by trained professionals in response to concerns about health risks and workplace safety. This decision, made during the 474th meeting of the Commission, is based on an expert report and highlights the lack of scientific justification for unrestricted use. The issue remains under review by the Ministry of Agriculture, and the final decision will depend on their assessment.

Australia Considers Two New Applications for Commercial GM Crops

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received two applications for approval to commercially cultivate genetically modified plants, submitted by Pioneer Hi-Bred Australia and Bayer CropScience. Risk assessment and management plans will be subject to public consultation in December 2026 before any decision is made.

Silvec Biologics Receives EPA Approval for RNA Therapy for Citrus

Silvec Biologics has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an RNA therapy aimed at combating Huanglongbing (HLB), the disease devastating citrus orchards. The technology employs a non-transmissible form of the tristeza virus to deliver the treatment to trees, without genetic modification of the plant, paving the way for commercial deployment by late 2026 and potential applications in other crops.

EFSA Gives Positive Opinion on BASF's Genetically Modified Mustard

The United States Approves GMO Corn Tolerant to Four Herbicides ⭐

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the deregulation of Monsanto's MON 87429 corn, a genetically modified variety designed to withstand multiple herbicides. This decision, based on a thorough assessment of phytosanitary risks, could facilitate the production of hybrid corn seeds. Documents related to this assessment will be publicly accessible starting August 2026.

Patents on GMOs/NTGs Present Issues the EU May Refuse to Address

Impact of New EU Rules on Plant Genome Editing

Adopted in June 2026, the new European legislation on certain plants derived from new genomic techniques (NGT) introduces a two-tier regulatory framework. NGT-1 plants, which exhibit limited modifications, will now be treated as conventional varieties, while NGT-2 will remain subject to GMO regulations. In this interview, Professor Jürgen Kleine-Vehn analyzes the implications of this reform.

India Strengthens Its Seed Ecosystem with Over 5,600 New Protected Varieties

India is accelerating the development of its seed sector. Between 2023 and 2026, the country has registered 5,689 new plant varieties under the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, while enhancing its infrastructure, research, and seed traceability.

EFSA Proposes Streamlining the Assessment of GMOs with Multiple Genetic Traits

United States: FDA Aims to Strengthen Food Ingredient Oversight

The FDA plans to release a reform proposal in December that challenges the self-certification mechanism ('self-GRAS') used for certain food ingredients. If adopted, this change could enhance regulatory oversight of new ingredients, particularly those derived from biotechnology, precision fermentation, or alternative proteins.

France Adopts Emergency Agricultural Law Paving the Way for Two Pesticides' Return