Do we need regulatory changes to make biopesticides a mainstream solution?

Dr Justin Greaves, University of Warwick

What are biopesticides?

• Biopesticides are mass produced biologically based agents used for the control of plant pests. They include:

- Living organisms (natural enemies) invertebrates, nematodes and micro-organisms

- Naturally occurring substances plant abstracts, semiochemicals (eg: insect

pheromones)

- Genes (USA) plant incorporated products

A mainstream solution?

• Mainstream ‘in the market’ or politically?• Currently not mainstream (except perhaps

in the protected crops market)• Could regulatory changes make them

mainstream?• Is something else needed?• Or are biopesticides destined to remain on

the sidelines?

Why such a low take-up?

• Regulatory failure hypothesis: systematic problems arising in regulation along with specific problems (the use of a chemical pesticide-driven regulatory model by PSD)

• Market failure hypothesis: the market size is too small to provide economies of scale and to encourage firms to enter. Biopesticides are niche products so the market size for any one product is small

The Biopesticides Scheme

• PSD introduced a ‘Pilot Scheme’ in June 2003 to encourage alternative control measures

• Permanent Biopesticides Scheme introduced in April 2006 (eg: Biopesticides Champion)

• Outcomes have been modest, although favourable compared with the preceding period

Registration costs

• Despite the Biopesticides Scheme, registration costs are arguably still too high

• The big cost is the testing required to meet registration requirements. Changes in the rules for efficacy testing may help biologicals

• Should market forces decide which products are efficacious (no efficacy testing in US)?

The promotion of alternatives

• Do we need a biopesticides ‘champion’ organisation with a clear advocacy role?

• Expertise could be built up within PSD and ACP

• Would changes in regulatory design help the promotion of alternatives (eg current consultation on the future of PSD)?

Conclusions

• Regulatory innovation can increase take-up• Other possible solutions: pesticides tax, making

mutual recognition work, assisting commercial development (Eco zones/91/414 reform in progress)

• Can they ever be a mainstream solution? They have a low profile amongst policy makers and have not yet realised their full potential

Please visit our website : http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/biopesticides

Acknowledgements:Prof Wyn Grant Prof Mark TatchellDr David ChandlerGillian Prince (University of Warwick)