STATEMENT | ECCA contributes to European Commission’s Call for Evidence on Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus

The European Crop Care Association (ECCA) has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus, focusing on the functioning of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and its impact on post-patent plant protection products.

Post-patent products represent 76.4% of the EU plant protection market – and over 90%, if proprietary off-patents are included. On average, 10 years after a post-patent product enters the market, the price of equivalent products decreases by around 50%. This ensures affordability and competition for European agriculture, while maintaining safety and efficacy.

Our submission highlights the need for predictable and harmonised data protection rules to ensure fair competition and faster market access across EU Member States. It also calls for improved transparency and access to information by making assessment reports (dRR/RR) publicly available after authorisation.

Furthermore, we emphasise the importance of a more effective mutual recognition system to guarantee fair and equal availability of plant protection tools for farmers across the EU. Moreover, we propose simplified and fit-for-purpose renewal and authorisation procedures to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and support innovation.

Finally, we stress the need to consider socio-economic impacts in regulatory decisions in order to preserve European food security and crop diversity.
ECCA remains committed to engaging constructively with the European Commission (DG SANTE, DG AGRI), EU Member States and the European Parliament to ensure that the upcoming legislative proposal delivers a more efficient, science-based and competitive regulatory framework for European farmers.