In the last six and a half years, European farmers have lost 89 crop protection solutions, conventional pesticides and biopesticides, many without viable alternatives.
Meanwhile, not a single new conventional pesticide has been placed on the market, and more than half of new crop protection solutions remain stuck in the EU approval process.
This growing imbalance is creating a dangerous gap between what farmers need and what’s actually available.
Without timely access to effective crop protection tools, and under the growing pressure of climate change, severe crop losses are becoming an ever-greater threat.
Globally, pests already cause yield losses of up to 40%, and without effective crop protection, this could rise to as much as 80%.
Yet, the agricultural sector continues to innovate. Through smart technologies and Integrated Pest Management, pesticide risk and use has gone down by 50% since 2011-2013.
These advances show sustainability and innovation can, and do, go hand in hand. Europe has the expertise, cutting-edge technology and ambition to lead in sustainability and food production.
To succeed we need a regulatory system that keeps pace with innovation.
Note: The figure of 89 withdrawn crop protection solutions is based on an internal tracking template that compiles all active substances voted on in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) since 2019. The toolbox calculation is updated biannually. This data was updated as of 1st January 2026. The template with detailed data and dates is available for reference if required.
Explore our toolbox of solutions supporting sustainable, resilient agriculture across the European Union.
Conventional Pesticides
Conventional pesticides remain one of the most effective solutions for protecting crops in the field.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides are a type of pesticide made from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals.
Plant Biotechnology
Plant biotechnology makes agriculture more sustainable by accelerating the development of resilient plant varieties.
Digital & Precision Agriculture
Digital technologies help farmers to optimise the use of pesticides, fertilisers and natural resources water usage while ensuring yields.
