41st Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology
and 9th International Conference on Bacillus thuringiensis

Traditionally in the UK only a small number of approved biopesticide-type products have been available in market place; pre-2003 there were four actives. Therefore, following discussions with growers, manufacturers and policy-makers the UK pesticide regulatory body (PSD) launched a Biopesticides Pilot Project in June 2003. This was seen as a way of learning more about this sector, encouraging potential applicants to open dialogues with PSD and also offered reduced fees; often quoted as the main obstacle to product availability. It resulted in three new products being successfully approved containing pheromone, viral and fungal active substances. Building on the success of the Pilot Project; 2006 saw PSD launch a full-scale UK Biopesticides Scheme. The aim of this is to increase the number of products entering the market that are alternatives to conventional pesticides. The scheme covers a range of biopesticides including products containing micro-organisms and has now resulted in ten biopesticides being approved in the UK. The presentation provides background on the Biopesticide Scheme and possible future developments in the EU. It also touches on the challenges for regulators aiming to provide as much flexibility as possible whilst looking to provide regulation at an appropriate level.