The use of chemical plant protection products in agriculture poses risks to health and the environment. In the Netherlands and Europe, the aim is therefore to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system in which the use of these products is reduced as much as possible. Part of the strategy is the use of biocontrol, a collective term for biological and natural plant protection products.
The committee on the Identification of Environmental and Health Issues states that it is currently too complicated to deploy biocontrol methods on a larger scale. The authorisation procedure for biocontrol products is largely based on chemical risk assessment, which leads to high costs and delay. The committee advises the government to advocate in Europe for adjustments to the authorisation procedures for these products. The committee also recommends facilitating the application of natural plant protection products in practice and supporting growers in this.