A review of the benefits of biological pest control for nature, food, health and climate

The effect of plant protection methods on biodiversity and health are now at the centre of political and technical discussions. Particularly in face of the upcoming revision of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive, a milestone within the Green Deal objectives implementation, it is essential to explore alternatives to those scientifically recognised as environmentally harmful methods.

As a non-chemical and targeted input, biocontrol can offer a systemic and balanced solution for sustainable agriculture. Biocontrol forms an understanding of the farm ecosystem of life cycles, insects’ behaviour and the influence of agronomic practices on plant health. It can therefore be an enabler of the European Green Deal, particularly for the Farm to Fork objectives.

It is against this background that the International Biocontrol Manufacturers’ Association (IBMA) commissioned IEEP to explore and collect the benefits of biocontrol. The report offers evidence-based information to decision-makers on the ways in which biocontrol can enable systemic change towards sustainable agriculture.

A member of the DG SANTE, representatives of the French Ministry of the Ecological Transition, Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the farmers community and civil society have been invited at our launch event to discuss the findings of the report and how biocontrol can become an essential element of the European Green Deal.

Agenda 

• 09.00 – Welcome and introduction Faustine Bas-Defossez (IEEP)
• 09.05 – Presentation of the report ‘Exploring the benefits of biocontrol for sustainable agriculture: A literature review on biocontrol in light of the European Green Deal’ Jean-François Hulot (IEEP)
• 09.15 – Questions and answers on the report
• 09.20 – Panel discussion, moderator Joanna Sullivan
  • Alexandra Nikolakopoulou, DG SANTE, European Commission [TBC]
  • Bruno Ferreira, French Ministry for Agriculture and Food [TBC]
  • Martin Hojsík, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Europe Group
  • Marta Messa, Director, Slow Food
  • Jennifer Lewis, Director, IBMA
  • Faustine Bas-Defossez, External Impact Director, IEEP
• 10:20 – Concluding remarks, Faustine Bas-Defossez (IEEP) and Jennifer Lewis (IBMA)
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