The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is registering fluazaindolizine, a new pesticide active ingredient for agricultural use. Fluazaindolizine can be used to control nematodes (also known as roundworms) on vegetables such as carrots, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and taro, and on some fruits, including oranges, peaches, almonds, and grapes. EPA expects fluazaindolizine will help delay the further development of nematicide resistance. Nematode pests are important to control because they can cause damage to the quality and quantity of crops. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)(PDF), nematodes are estimated to cause at least $10 billion in crop damage annually in the United States. In addition to the registration decision, EPA has finalized the biological evaluation for fluazaindolizine under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This action furthers the goals outlined in EPA’s April 2022 ESA Workplan (PDF) by identifying potential effects to listed species, implementing necessary mitigation, and initiating the ESA consultation process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to registration. EPA’s Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments Prior to this registration decision, EPA assessed whether exposures to these products would cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment, as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Based on EPA’s human health risk assessment, there are no human health risk concerns from the uses of fluazaindolizine. However, EPA’s ecological risk assessment identified risks of concern for mammals and honeybees near use sites. These risks will be mitigated with measures such as soil incorporation (mixing the pesticide into the soil) and restrictions that limit pesticide spray drift. EPA’s Final ESA Biological Evaluation The Agency evaluated the effects of the registration on listed species and critical habitats. EPA’s final effects determination found that fluazaindolizine is likely to adversely affect (LAA) 18 listed species and three critical habitats. An LAA determination means that EPA reasonably expects that at least one individual animal or plant, among a variety of listed species, may be exposed to fluazaindolizine at a sufficient level to have an adverse effect. This is the case even if a listed species is almost recovered to a point where it may no longer need to be listed. The likely ″take,″ which includes unintentional harm or death, of even one individual of a listed species, is enough to trigger such a determination. As a result, there are often a high number of LAA determinations. An LAA determination, however, does not necessarily mean that a pesticide is putting a species in jeopardy. EPA further refined its analysis for the species and critical habitats where it made LAA determinations to predict the likelihood that fluazaindolizine use could lead to a future jeopardy finding for certain listed species or adverse modification finding for critical habitats. These predictions examine effects of fluazaindolizine at the species scale (as opposed to one individual of a species). EPA’s draft biological evaluation predicted that, without additional mitigation, the proposed uses of fluazaindolizine would present a likelihood of jeopardy for one listed plant species, the Kern Mallow. EPA predicted no likelihood of adverse modification to critical habitats. Given EPA’s initial prediction for the Kern Mallow plant, EPA developed geographically specific pesticide use limitations. In areas within the four counties in southern California where Kern Mallow is known to occur, users cannot use micro-sprinklers to apply the pesticide on non-bearing orchard crops. This includes citrus trees (e.g., oranges, lemons, limes), stone fruit trees (e.g., peaches, plums, apricots), and nut trees (e.g., hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts) that are not yet bearing fruit or nuts. As directed on the label, users must check the Bulletins Live Two! website to identify whether these restrictions apply to their geographic area. With these mitigations in place, EPA’s final biological evaluation predicts the use of fluazaindolizine will not present a likelihood of jeopardy to the Kern Mallow. Next Steps Since EPA’s final biological evaluation found that fluazaindolizine is likely to adversely affect some listed species and critical habitats under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), EPA has initiated formal consultation and shared its findings with FWS. During formal consultation, FWS uses the information in EPA’s final biological evaluation (i.e., the final effects determination, predictions of the likelihood of jeopardy/adverse modification, and EPA’s mitigations to avoid jeopardy and minimize take) to inform their biological opinions. While EPA has made predictions about the likelihood of jeopardy and adverse modification as part of its biological evaluation, FWS is responsible for making the final jeopardy/adverse modification findings and have the sole authority to do so. If FWS determines in its final biological opinions that additional mitigations are necessary to address any jeopardy or adverse modification determination or to address any incidental take, then EPA will work with the registrant to ensure that any necessary registration or labeling changes are made. The registration decision and final biological evaluation are available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0065 at www.regulations.gov.   From Agropages：https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---47729.htm

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered two pesticide products containing the new active ingredient pyraclonil to control weeds in water-seeded rice in California. EPA’s registration decision includes measures to protect non-target organisms, including federally threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitats. In addition to the registration decision, EPA has finalized the biological evaluation for this pesticide under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Today’s action furthers the goals outlined in EPA’s April 2022 ESA Workplan (PDF) by identifying potential effects to listed species, implementing necessary mitigation, and initiating the consultation process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services) prior to registration. Background on Pyraclonil EPA has approved two products containing pyraclonil: a technical product that can be used to formulate other products and an end-use product that is formulated as a dust-free granule that can be applied aerially to flooded rice paddies. The end-use product is registered for pre- and early post-emergence control of grass, sedge, and broadleaf weeds in water-seeded rice in California only. Notably, it may help control barnyardgrass and watergrass, two problematic weed species for rice growers in the state. Generally, weeds are important to control because they compete with rice plants for valuable nutrients and sunlight, potentially reducing yield if left uncontrolled. Pyraclonil is also expected to be a useful addition to Integrated Pest Management and Weed Resistance Management programs for water-seeded rice in California due to its efficacy and new mode of action. Rice producers in this area can use pyraclonil in rotation with other herbicides to reduce the potential spread of herbicide resistance. EPA’s Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments Before issuing this registration decision, EPA assessed whether exposures to these products would cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment, as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Based on EPA’s human health risk assessment, there are no human health risk concerns from the registered uses of pyraclonil. However, EPA’s ecological risk assessment identified several risks of concern for the environment, including risks to aquatic plant species, listed and non-listed freshwater fish, listed and non-listed estuarine and marine invertebrates, and listed mammals. EPA’s Final Biological Evaluation The Agency also evaluated the effects of the proposed registration on listed species and critical habitats. EPA’s final effects determination found that pyraclonil is likely to adversely affect (LAA) 12 listed species and 10 critical habitats. An LAA determination means that EPA reasonably expects that at least one individual animal or plant, among a variety of listed species, may be exposed to pyraclonil at a sufficient level to have an adverse effect. This is the case even if a listed species is almost recovered to a point where it may no longer need to be listed. The likely ″take,″ which includes unintentional harm or death, of even one individual of a listed species, is enough to trigger such a determination. As a result, there are often a high number of LAA determinations. An LAA determination, however, does not necessarily mean that a pesticide is putting a species in jeopardy. EPA further refined its analysis for the species and critical habitats where it made LAA determinations to predict the likelihood that pyraclonil use could lead to a future jeopardy finding for certain listed species or adverse modification finding for critical habitats. These predictions examine effects of pyraclonil at the species scale (as opposed to one individual of a species). EPA’s draft biological evaluation predicted that, without additional mitigation, the proposed uses of pyraclonil would present a likelihood of jeopardy for two listed species (Sacramento River winter-run Chinook Salmon and Central Valley spring-run Chinook Salmon). EPA predicted no likelihood of adverse modification to critical habitats. Mitigations B Based on these findings, the applicant has added the following mitigations to their labeling:   A water holding period in treated rice paddies after pyraclonil is applied to minimize pyraclonil off-site movement to non-target areas in which listed species live; and Practices to 1) prevent water seepage from treated rice paddies through berms and levees, and 2) minimize overspray of pyraclonil granules onto berms and levees.   The applicant has also revised product labeling to include a requirement that users check the Bulletins Live Two! website to identify whether there are any areas where the pesticide cannot be used. Currently, there are no geographically-specific user restrictions, however, the Services may determine these mitigations are necessary during their review. With these mitigations in place, EPA’s final biological evaluation predicts that the use of pyraclonil will not result in unreasonable adverse effects to non-target organisms or present a likelihood of jeopardy to these species. Next Steps Since EPA’s final biological evaluation found that pyraclonil is likely to adversely affect some listed species and critical habitats, EPA has initiated formal consultation and shared its findings with the Services. During formal consultation, the Services use the information in EPA’s final biological evaluation (i.e., the final effects determination, predictions of the likelihood of jeopardy/adverse modification, and EPA’s mitigations to avoid jeopardy and minimize take) to inform their biological opinions. While EPA has made predictions about the likelihood of jeopardy and adverse modification as part of its biological evaluation, the Services are responsible for making the final jeopardy/adverse modification findings and have the sole authority to do so. If the Services determine in their final biological opinions that additional mitigations are necessary to address any jeopardy or adverse modification determination or to address any incidental take, then EPA will work with the registrant to ensure that any necessary registration or labeling changes are made. The registration decision and final biological evaluation are available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0004 at www.regulations.gov.   From: https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---47547.htm

The Verkhovna Rada adopted  law "On state regulation of genetic engineering activities and state control over the circulation of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified products to ensure food safety." Implementation of the Law will make it possible to achieve systemic compatibility of Ukrainian legislation with EU legislation in the field of handling GMOs, as the document is based on 8 main acts of European Union law in the field of GMOs. The law introduces European mechanisms for the state registration of GMOs, a ban is introduced on the cultivation and circulation of: GMO corn - permanently, GMO sugar beets and rapeseed - within 5 years from the date of entry into force of the Law. Requirements for the use of the labels "with GMOs", "without GMOs", "produced from GMO raw materials" are also established in accordance with the norms of EU legislation. The consumer must be sure of the products he consumes and have the right to choose. The State Register of GMOs, which is managed by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, is being created. The implementation of the Law will contribute to increasing the efficiency and transparency of state regulation procedures in the field of handling GMOs, creating clear and transparent rules for conducting business related to GMOs, de-criminalizing the GMO market. The law enters into force on the day following its publication, and is put into effect three years after its entry into force.   Source: https://minagro.gov.ua/news/parlament-uhvaliv-zakon-pro-posilennya-kontrolyu-za-produkciyeyu-z-gmo

Recently, the European Union based on plant protection products PPP REGULATION(EC) No. 1107/2009 extended the validity period of 28 active ingredients including: Active Ingredient Newest valid date Gibberellic acid July 15, 2025 Flonicamid November 30, 2026 Tebuconazole August 15, 2026 Halosulfuron-methyl March 31, 2025 Cymoxanil August 15, 2026 Pyrethrins June 15, 2026 Sulcotrione November 30, 2026 Metamitron November 30, 2026 Dodemorph November 30, 2026 Gibberellins July 15, 2025 Aluminium ammonium sulphate December 15, 2024 Calcium carbide November 30, 2026 Iron sulphate November 30, 2026 Aluminium phosphide November 30, 2026 Magnesium phosphide November 30, 2026 Acetic acid November 30, 2026 Ethylene November 30, 2026 2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid methylester November 30, 2026 Aluminium silicate December 15, 2024 Extract from tea tree January 31, 2026 Fat distillation residues December 15, 2024 Fatty acids C7 to C20 December 15, 2024 Hydrolysed proteins April 15, 2025 Plant oils/clove oil January 31, 2026 Plant oils/rape seed oil December 15, 2024 Plant oils/spear mint oil January 31, 2026 Urea November 30, 2026 Maltodextrin February 28, 2026

The Brazilian Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) announced a new system for registering components of agrochemicals and the like. As of June 2023, all requests must be made through the system called ″Solicita″.   In turn, transfers of ownership to pesticide companies will be automated, Anvisa informed. According to the official Brazilian regulatory agency, the ownership transfer procedure will be more agile and all requests for registration and component changes will be centralized in a single system. Requests for registration or post-registration of components at Anvisa will now be made only through the Solicita system. Data for registration will no longer be sent directly in the current system by electronic form. In the new procedure, the component registration application model must be completed, electronically signed and inserted in the Request, with the complementary documentation. It is no longer necessary to pre-register the component and one needs to ensure the identity of the component and detail them in Item 4 of the application. According to Anvisa, the subject code will remain the same (5015–Component Registration), as well as the files to be attached. Other instructions are in the system itself. Subject code 5059 (Component registration change) should only be used for trade name, manufacturer, intended use and packaging changes. The change will only apply to orders placed as of June 1, 2023, without affecting orders placed earlier.   From Agropages, https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---46671.htm

has announced that it has reached agreement to acquire a share of in Donegal, Ireland, a leading Irish biostimulants manufacturing company. Through this partnership, Mitsui and CB-Agri will jointly enhance and boost the overall growth strategy of its biostimulant products. Mitsui & Co. Ltd. C&B Agri Enterprise Ltd. C&B Agri Enterprise is an Irish-based producer and distributor of biostimulant products made from natural seaweed and marine-derived amino-acid material. These products are highly competitive, organic and make an important contribution to farmers seeking to improve their crops in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Its C-Bio CPS product, made from 100% pure Ascophyllum Nodosum and manufactured using a unique cold extraction process, has demonstrated excellent efficacy under all climates on a wide range of crops. Mitsui’s Nutrition & Agriculture Business Unit aims to provide comprehensive and sustainable solutions to farmers, including the provision of agricultural inputs and related services, that contribute to a safe and sufficient food supply. To accomplish this vision Mitsui has established a global network of businesses including Anagra; Equlibra; Adelnor; ; Certis Biologicals; Bharat Certis, and Cosaco, who all provide solutions for sustainable crop management. Now the Business Unit seeks to implement a development strategy for the biostimulants sector, and this is the first investment to secure a procurement source that will enable us to offer competitive products, as well as comprehensive service, to valued customers. Certis Belchim Leveraging the extensive global network owned by Mitsui, including key distribution platforms and regional partners in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, we can pursue our vision of bringing value to our customers.   From Agribusiness Global web, https://www.agribusinessglobal.com/plant-health/biostimulants/mitsui-to-acquire-irish-biostimulants-company/?utm_source=omail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=abgbiologicalsenews03102023

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Colombian Institute of Agriculture (ICA) announced a ban on the registration and definitive use of pesticides that have fipronil as an active ingredient. Please check the  . RESOLUCIÓN No.00000740 Luis Domingo Gómez, the author of the action, celebrated the decision and highlighted the fact that the resolution is ″supported by irrefutable scientific evidence that mainly benefits pollinators and, consequently, the health of people and future generations.″ The decision was taken by a technical committee constituted to comply with the conclusion of the court of the Colombian state of Cundinamarca, which ordered the adoption of measures to preserve pollinating insects.   The resolution is based on a technical study carried out by Agrosavia (Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation), which determined that fipronil is an insecticide whose indiscriminate use has caused the death of bees and the disappearance of hives. The investigation showed that Quindío, Huila, Cundinamarca, Meta, and Cesar are the five Colombian states where the most bee deaths were recorded last year.   ″Bees play a valuable role because we need dynamic agriculture. In this transition, we must carry out sustainable agriculture with actions and good practices,″ said the Colombian Minister of Agriculture, Cecilia López Montaño. According to her, this is the ″commitment for the beekeeping sector to occupy the place it deserves in the entire production chain and make the country a world power in world food production″.   The minister reiterated the agreement she signed with the Julius Kühn Institute from Germany for the advancement of scientific research and cooperation to promote the protection of pollinators, given their importance in agricultural production.   María del Pilar Ruiz Molina, General Manager (e) of the ICA, said ″the issuance of this resolution has a significant impact on the development of a more productive, equitable and environmentally correct field.″ She pointed out that there will now be 12 months to discuss alternatives and depleting the existing stocks of products that contain this active ingredient and are sold in the country.   During the technical table, it was explained that there are several alternatives to the insecticide fipronil that can be analyzed for a year and thus offer options to producers.   From Agropages, https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---45563.htm

Albaugh Europe Sarl, a company headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, announces the acquisition of Industrias Afrasa, a company headquartered in Valencia, Spain. Afrasa was founded in 1955 by Aurelio Fernández in Valencia, Spain and in 1974 opened formulation facilities in Paterna near Valencia.  In 1987, Javier Fernández took over the company, making it one of the leading Spanish crop protection companies.  Now in the 3rd generation and under the leadership of Arantxa Fernández, Afrasa has expanded its presence across Europe, North Africa and Middle East with more than 350 products registered in 28 countries and defending over 12 active ingredients in Europe. Arantxa Fernández, the CEO of Afrasa, commented: ″After three family generations dedicated to growing the project started by my grandfather when he decided to found a small chemical company called Afrasa in 1955, the family has had to face one of the hardest decisions that a business family has to make.  Afrasa’s integration with Albaugh, a global company and leader in the international market of phytosanitary products, is the perfect complement to carry out the growth and consolidation plans of Afrasa's future project. All the Fernandez family, and especially myself, want to thank from the bottom of my heart all the effort, dedication, and professionalism of each one of the workers that during all these years have dedicated their efforts to make Afrasa's project grow, without all of you we would never have reached this far.″ Stephen Karl, President of Albaugh's Europe, Middle East, and Africa Region highlighted, ″It has been impressive to see how Afrasa has flourished and grown over the years. The Afrasa portfolio, mainly focused on Mediterranean crops, complements the Albaugh portfolio, and the Afrasa facilities in Spain will build upon the existing capabilities of our Slovenia facilities to support our rapidly growing business and continue the combined success.″ Kurt Pedersen Kaalund, the Group CEO of Albaugh, further commented, ″Together with the newly acquired Rotam business, Albaugh will now have a strong product portfolio in Europe and offer over 35 active ingredients at European level.  We are very excited to welcome such a driven, entrepreneurial, innovative, and professional Afrasa team into the Albaugh Group and to have their support to achieve our vision to support farmers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa with sustainable crop protection solutions.″ From Agropages, https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---45126.htm