Fewer and fewer active substances can be used in the European Union to combat crop diseases. In this regard, pear and apple producers from Spain, France, and Italy, meeting this week in Saluzzo (Piedmont), have shown their rejection of the Omnibus Regulation proposed by the Cypriot presidency, as it is "more restrictive" than the one initially proposed by the European Commission.
In the opinion of pome fruit producers, the current proposal does not expedite product authorization, nor does it establish automatic zonal authorizations for the use of phytosanitary products, it does not recognize mutual effectiveness between member states, nor does it promote the use of new technologies, such as drones.
Regarding the trade agreements that the European Commission has expedited during the first half of 2026, pear and apple producers requested that the treaties include effective phytosanitary protocols and that there be greater internal coordination to avoid the differences currently existing between member states.
The meeting concluded with a clear message from the European sector: European agricultural policy must move towards greater harmonization and legislative coherence.
In this regard, representatives from France, Italy, and Spain demanded phytosanitary regulations that allow production on equal terms and greater institutional support. They also raised the need to give a strong boost to research and innovation.