Pesticides

EFSA Opens Public Consultation on Mandipropamid MRLs in Onion, Garlic and Shallots

EFSA has launched a short public consultation (8–29 April 2026) on an application to set new EU maximum residue levels for the fungicide mandipropamid in onion, garlic and shallots. Companies placing these crops or mandipropamid products on the EU market should review the dossier and consider submitting scientific data or comments now, as this assessment will inform future residue limits and market-access conditions.

10 Apr 2026, 15:51connect.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

New Zealand EPA Approves Vibrance Premium Fungicide Seed Treatment for Potatoes

In early April 2026, the New Zealand EPA approved Syngenta’s Vibrance Premium seed-treatment fungicide for potatoes under the HSNO Act, introducing the new active ingredient sedaxane alongside fludioxonil under approval HSR101719 with strict environmental and groundwater-related controls. For crop-protection suppliers and potato growers, this creates a new control option with a distinct mode of action but also tight professional‑use, rate, sowing-frequency and groundwater-management conditions that must be built into stewardship, labeling, and operational practices pending separate Ministry for Primary Industries approval.

10 Apr 2026, 15:43epa.govt.nzNew Zealand

France: Marseille Court Convicts Six Farmers and Supplier for Trafficking Banned Pesticides

In April 2026, the Marseille criminal court handed down prison terms, heavy fines, subsidy bans and civil‑damage awards against six farmers and their supplier for trafficking and using banned pesticides (including metam sodium and mancozeb) on vegetable and fruit crops in Drôme and Bouches‑du‑Rhône.[^1^](https://fnepaca.fr/communique-presse/juridique-trafic-de-pesticides-interdits-6-agriculteurs-et-leur-fournisseur#:~:text=Alain%20HEBRARD)[^2^](https://fnepaca.fr/communique-presse/juridique-trafic-de-pesticides-interdits-6-agriculteurs-et-leur-fournisseur#:~:text=Parmi%20les%20substances%20interdites%20retrouv%C3%A9es) This high‑profile case signals tougher enforcement of existing EU/French pesticide bans, showing that agricultural operators and upstream buyers who ignore substance prohibitions risk custodial sentences, loss of public support and reputational exposure across branded food supply chains.[^1^](https://fnepaca.fr/communique-presse/juridique-trafic-de-pesticides-interdits-6-agriculteurs-et-leur-fournisseur#:~:text=Le%20tribunal%20est%20all%C3%A9%20au%2Ddel%C3%A0%20des%20r%C3%A9quisitions)

10 Apr 2026, 13:41fnepaca.frFrance

Italy Adopts Emergency Plant Health Action Plans for Popillia japonica in Liguria and Veneto

Italy’s plant‑health authority has made Ordinance 12/2026 effective from 30 January 2026, approving detailed emergency action plans to eradicate or contain Popillia japonica in newly demarcated areas of Liguria and Veneto.[^1^](http://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2026/04/07/26A01683/SG)[^2^](https://www.protezionedellepiante.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/masaf-2026-0046615-odsfc12papopillialiguriaeveneto_signed.pdf) For growers, nurseries, turf producers and logistics operators in these zones, the plans mean long‑term seasonal bans and strict controls on soil, plant residues, host plants and high‑risk sites, requiring changes to irrigation, movement, pest‑control and plant‑passporting practices to avoid sanctions and further spread.

10 Apr 2026, 13:39gazzettaufficiale.itItaly

Italy: Puglia Adopts 2026–2027 Regional Control Plan for Food, Feed, Animal Health and Pesticides

Puglia has extended its official control plan for food, feed, animal health and pesticide use to cover 2026–2027, aligning regional programmes with the EU Official Controls Regulation (Reg (EU) 2017/625) and Italy’s D.Lgs 27/2021.[^1^](https://burp.regione.puglia.it/documents/20135/2757339/DEL_210_2026.pdf/35a74916-bebe-7617-49d2-96a1efc64049?version=1.0&t=1775574271739) Regional health authorities and local ASLs must now update local control plans by June 2026 and prepare extra food‑ and water‑safety inspections for the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, tightening oversight and compliance expectations across the regional agri‑food and plant‑protection supply chain.[^1^](https://burp.regione.puglia.it/documents/20135/2757339/DEL_210_2026.pdf/35a74916-bebe-7617-49d2-96a1efc64049?version=1.0&t=1775574271739)

10 Apr 2026, 13:29burp.regione.puglia.itIT_75ItalyEuropean Union

EFSA Intake: Acetamiprid MRL Application for Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper)

EFSA has opened an intake dossier to evaluate a potential change to EU maximum residue levels for the insecticide acetamiprid in Capsicum annuum (bell pepper), following an application received on 07 April 2026.[^1^](https://open.efsa.europa.eu/questions/EFSA-Q-2026-00202#:~:text=EFSA%2DQ%2D2026%2D00202%20%7C%20Status%3A%20Intake) For companies using acetamiprid on bell peppers in the EU, this is an **early warning** that MRL requirements may change once EFSA completes its assessment and any subsequent Commission measure is adopted.

10 Apr 2026, 13:13open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EFSA Registers Flupyradifurone MRL Application for Strawberries, Kaki, Tomatoes and Other Crops

EFSA has registered and validated application EFSA‑Q‑2025‑00704 under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning flupyradifurone MRLs in strawberries, kaki, tomatoes, globe artichokes and designated IT crops (cane fruits, tea and hops) in the EU. This early "Intake" step signals an upcoming EU review of residue limits for flupyradifurone in these supply chains, so agrochemical and food businesses using or sourcing these crops should monitor subsequent EFSA opinions and MRL amendments that could affect market access and compliance planning.

10 Apr 2026, 13:00open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Parliament ENVI Committee Tables Amendments 29–278 to CAP Support Conditions 2028–2034

ENVI committee members have tabled a large package of amendments (29–278) to the draft CAP support regulation for 2028–2034 that would tie more of the budget to climate, biodiversity, pollution control, protein crops and higher animal‑welfare standards. If carried into the final post‑2027 CAP, these changes would strengthen conditionality on harmful pesticides and other inputs, expand support for agroecological and regenerative systems, and increase the share of CAP funding linked to measurable environmental and One Health outcomes.

10 Apr 2026, 12:39europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Italy: Bolzano Province Bans Bee-Harmful Pesticides on Flowering Fruit Trees at 500–800 m in Val Venosta

From 09 April 2026, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano will prohibit the use of specified bee-harmful plant protection products on flowering fruit trees between 500 m and 800 m altitude in Val Venosta (from Tel upwards), under Provincial Law 18 November 2025 No. 14. Fruit growers in this key apple-growing valley must adjust spray programmes and hive movements to comply with the altitude-specific ban and associated fire-blight control measures, or risk non-compliance with provincial phytosanitary rules.

10 Apr 2026, 11:13agricoltura.provincia.bz.itItaly

EFSA Online Training on Evaluating Emergency Authorisations of Pesticides Using EFSA Protocol

EFSA will hold three online training editions in May–June 2026 on applying its protocol to evaluate emergency authorisations of insecticide and acaricide uses under the EU Plant Protection Products Regulation. Companies and growers that rely on emergency authorisations may wish to attend or review materials so that future applications better reflect EFSA’s expectations on alternative controls and action plans, improving approval prospects and avoiding repeated emergency derogations.

10 Apr 2026, 11:10efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Netherlands NVWA Finds Low Compliance With Pesticide Rules Along Surface Water in 2024

In April 2026, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reported that **38% of 66 farms inspected in 2024** along surface water were non‑compliant with pesticide‑use rules, mainly due to incorrect fungicide applications and one buffer‑strip glyphosate use. These findings signal continued enforcement focus on pesticide applications near water bodies and closer cooperation with water boards under EU Water Framework Directive objectives, so growers and advisers should reassess spray programmes, record‑keeping, and buffer‑zone management in similar regions.

10 Apr 2026, 11:03nvwa.nlNetherlands

California Assembly Further Amends AB 1603 on PFAS Pesticides

In April 2026, the California Assembly further amended AB 1603, keeping a phased ban on PFAS-containing pesticides by 2030/2035 but reworking the 2028 step into a PFAS-restricted-material regime with permit-based warnings instead of on-pack label changes. Pesticide manufacturers and growers still face a structural shift away from PFAS actives and cofomulants in California, but can adjust near-term compliance plans to focus on restricted-use permitting, disclosure, and reformulation timelines rather than an imminent 2028 labelling overhaul.

10 Apr 2026, 10:59leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

California DPR Adds Valkarie Adjuvant and NUGEN MB5A-256 Disinfectant to Evaluation Process (Volume 2026-13)

In April 2026, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation added the Valkarie adjuvant and NUGEN MB5A‑256 quaternary‑ammonium disinfectant label to its pesticide evaluation process, marking the start of state review for these formulations.[^1^](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADPR/bulletins/410b97d#:~:text=Materials%20Entering%20Evaluation%20Process%20Volume%202026-13) For companies formulating, distributing, or relying on these products in California, this is an early signal to track potential changes to allowed uses, labelling and active‑ingredient conditions that could affect crop protection and antimicrobial product portfolios.

10 Apr 2026, 10:27content.govdelivery.comUnited States

Slovenia Proposes Regulation on Water Protection Zones for Domžale, Mengeš and Trzin Drinking Water Supply

Slovenia has tabled a draft regulation establishing detailed groundwater protection zones (VVO 0–III) and a strict protection regime for the Domžale–Mengeš–Trzin public drinking water supply, now moving through the government decision process.[^1^](https://gradiva.vlada.si/mandat22/VLADNAGRADIVA.NSF/18a6b9887c33a0bdc12570e50034eb54/2f0ec034e8a3f4c5c1258dcb0021b2ab/$FILE/Spremni1_URED9503_P.pdf)[^2^](https://www.gov.si/novice/2026-03-31-dnevni-red-175-seje-odbora-za-gospodarstvo/#:~:text=3B.Predlog%20uredbe%20o%20vodovarstvenih%20obmo%C4%8Djih) If adopted, it will significantly tighten construction, agriculture and plant-protection-chemical use across the catchment, requiring water utilities and land users to plan signage, fencing and practice changes on one‑ to two‑year timelines to safeguard groundwater quality and long-term drinking water security.[^1^](https://gradiva.vlada.si/mandat22/VLADNAGRADIVA.NSF/18a6b9887c33a0bdc12570e50034eb54/2f0ec034e8a3f4c5c1258dcb0021b2ab/$FILE/Spremni1_URED9503_P.pdf)

10 Apr 2026, 10:19gradiva.vlada.siSlovenia

EU Parliament ENVI Proposes CAP 2028–2034 Amendments on Pesticides, Irrigation and Protein Crops (Amendments 779–987)

EU Parliament’s ENVI committee proposed amendments to the 2028–2034 CAP implementation rules, seeking to block funding for practices using hazardous pesticides and intensive livestock operations in nutrient hotspots. These proposals signal a shift toward stricter environmental conditionality, pressuring the agricultural supply chain to accelerate the transition toward bio-based alternatives and precision irrigation.

9 Apr 2026, 17:49europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU ENVI Committee Tables Amendments 529–778 to CAP 2028–2034 Implementation Proposal

The European Parliament's ENVI Committee has proposed significant amendments to the 2028–2034 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), seeking to link funding more tightly to pesticide and fertiliser reduction targets. If adopted, these changes would shift CAP support toward mandatory compliance with water and pesticide laws, potentially accelerating the phase-out of conventional chemical inputs in EU agriculture.

9 Apr 2026, 17:35europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

EU ENVI Committee Amendments 279–528 to CAP 2028–2034 Support Regulation on Farm Stewardship and Chemical Inputs

The EU ENVI Committee has proposed amendments to the 2028–2034 CAP Support Regulation, seeking to condition agricultural subsidies on significant reductions in chemical pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use. This move aligns future farm funding with stricter soil and water quality standards, signaling a long-term regulatory push to phase out high-risk chemical inputs and transition toward low-input agricultural systems.

9 Apr 2026, 17:34europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan Official Gazette Publishes Pesticide Registration Notices 525–526

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has authorized nine new pesticide products for market use, effective March 2026. Companies should update Japanese product portfolios and ensure labeling compliance with the newly assigned registration numbers to maintain market access.

9 Apr 2026, 17:33kanpo.go.jpJapan

Japan MAFF Announces Lapse of 18 Pesticide Registrations (Notice 527)

Japan's MAFF has confirmed the expiration of 18 pesticide registrations as of January 2026, covering various herbicides, fungicides, and plant activators. Affected products can no longer be legally marketed or used in Japan, necessitating immediate inventory audits and potential re-registration strategies to maintain market access.

9 Apr 2026, 17:27kanpo.go.jpJapan

France – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Publishes 2026 Pesticide Water Quality Brochure (2024 Data)

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional authority has released its 2026 annual report monitoring pesticide concentrations in surface and groundwater based on 2024 data. This data informs regional environmental enforcement priorities and provides early indicators of potential future restrictions or remediation requirements for specific active substances.

9 Apr 2026, 14:46eauetphyto-aura.frFrance