The Significance of Biostimulant Support in Sustainable Agriculture

All EU member states will share the same official definition of agricultural biostimulants for the first time, representing a significant breakthrough in the industry.

FREMONT, CA: The Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) of the European Union (EU) formally opened the European market for organic and recycled fertilisers and biostimulants. Even though biostimulants were previously included in the category of plant protection products, this new regulation recognised their demonstrated ability to support crop growth and yield by establishing a distinct functional division between this category and those used only for plant protection.

The formal definition of agricultural biostimulants will be the same across all EU member states for the first time, which is a significant development for all companies involved in the sector. The majority of market analysts, according to the European Biostimulant Industry Council (EBIC), estimate that the European biostimulants market makes up about half of the global market and is driven by, among other things, the need for efficiency, consumer demand for products with minimal environmental impact, and the capacity of biostimulants to target particular agronomic needs. This decision is a significant milestone for Europe to be at the forefront of the industry, serving as a model for the rest of the world in terms of agricultural regulation, as well as a big step forward in sustainable agriculture and the transformation of the agricultural sector.

The new policy supports increased use of recycled materials, waste reduction, and a reduction in reliance on imported fertilisers, which is in line with several existing programs in Europe, like the Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Green Deal, and the Farm to Fork Strategy. Biostimulants are, by nature, sustainable products and a component of the circular economy, supporting more sustainable agriculture.

This law has several advantages for European biostimulant producers. The new rule adds a third way to register a product based on harmonisation across the EU's 27 member states. However, it will coexist side by side with the National Legislation and Mutual Recognition Regulation (Reg. EU 2019/515). By itself, this aids in streamlining the brand registration procedure and accelerating the time to market. Naturally, this also opens up previously unavailable or challenging-to-acquire sales potential for distribution throughout the EU.

Companies can now swiftly reach more European markets with innovative and sustainable products. In addition to improving access to sustainable solutions, FPR helps growers and distributors in the sector by verifying the safety and calibre of all the goods sold. Product labels will be improved under the new regulation so that the most crucial information is all on the front of the product, and the effect of the biostimulant is explicitly stated on the label. It has been independently verified, and the products bear the CE mark, indicating that they have received the necessary certification to be sold in the EU.