What are bio-pesticides? Curative substances that have no or a very low impact on the environment. They basically have an effect only on diseases or harmfuls insect leaving no residue and without affecting other living beings.
As explained by expert Ciro Lazzarin from Agri2000 during Macfrut, regulations do not address bio-pesticides as a defined group. The EU 1107/2009 regulation, in fact, lists active, traditional, basic and low risk substances.
"This category has a low risk level for humans, animals and the environment. Over the past few years, people have become increasingly aware about the health of fruit and vegetables, so much so that retail chains immediately introduced specifications and certifications."
Retailers are increasingly requiring the use of bio-pesticides, especially in northern Europe, which however does not mean employing organic control.
The approval process is the same for other compounds, but they are listed separately. Low-risk active substances undergo the same assessment process as other substances, only it's quicker. The authorisation is then valid for 15 years (instead of the usual 10).
Bio-pesticides are often low-risk, but there is no automatic recognition. They are classified as microorganisms and substances different than microorganisms. Twelve are registered as low-risk "substances" while another 60 will be added in the future.
"For the fresh produce sector, these are additional elements useful to monitor pathogens within a complex form of control that uses chemicals as a last resort. 80% of these substances are used on fruit and vegetables."
Contatti
Agri2000
Via Marabini 14/A
40013 Castel Maggiore (Bo)
Tel.: (+39) 051 4128045
Email: lazzarin@agri2000.it
Web: www.agri2000.it