Pollinators

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

ECHA Publishes B-Risk Video Tutorials for Bee Risk Assessment Under BPR

ECHA has released a comprehensive video tutorial series for the B-Risk calculator to standardize bee risk assessments under the Biocidal Products Regulation. Biocide manufacturers should adopt these standardized assessment methods to minimize dossier rejection risks and ensure alignment with ECHA’s evolving environmental safety expectations.

8 Apr 2026, 15:56echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Minnesota Senate Committee Schedules Hearing on SF 3915 Wild-Rice Water Pesticide Protections

Minnesota is advancing SF 3915 to tighten pesticide controls near wild-rice waters, with a key committee hearing scheduled for April 2026. Operators should prepare for stricter environmental impact assessments and elevated enforcement risks for pesticide applications affecting sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

6 Apr 2026, 16:45revisor.mn.govUnited States

EU JRC Knowledge Synthesis on Green Roofs and Walls for Nature Restoration Regulation

The EU Joint Research Centre has released guidance on green roofs and walls to support urban restoration targets under the Nature Restoration Regulation. This synthesis signals a shift toward standardized urban greening, likely influencing future building design requirements and sustainable infrastructure investment.

4 Apr 2026, 10:56publications.jrc.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Calabria Region Confirms Emergency Derogation for Plant‑Protection Product CLOSER (Sulfoxaflor) on Citrus and Stone Fruit

Calabria has authorized an emergency derogation for the pesticide CLOSER (sulfoxaflor) on citrus and stone fruits, effective until July 9, 2026. This highlights ongoing regional reliance on emergency authorizations for pest management, requiring supply chain teams to monitor local compliance windows and residue risks.

1 Apr 2026, 14:41regione.calabria.itItalyIT_78

Brittany Adopts 2026–2031 Regional Action Plan for Pollinators and Pollination

Brittany has adopted a regional pollinator action plan for 2026–2031, operationalizing EU and national biodiversity targets at the local level. While not creating new legal duties, the plan will steer regional funding and land-use policy toward stricter pesticide reduction and habitat restoration.

31 Mar 2026, 21:27draaf.bretagne.agriculture.gouv.frFrance

Italy: Autonomous Province of Bolzano Bans Bee-Harmful Pesticides During Flowering for Apple Varieties

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano has implemented a ban on 15 bee-harmful active substances in plant protection products during the flowering of specific apple varieties, effective March 25, 2026. Agricultural operators must adjust pest management schedules and substance selection to ensure compliance with localized pollinator protection mandates and seasonal application windows.

31 Mar 2026, 19:38agricoltura.provincia.bz.itItaly

Netherlands: PAN Netherlands Objects To Ctgb Extension Of Gazelle (Acetamiprid) Authorisation To 2034

PAN Netherlands has formally challenged the Dutch regulator's (Ctgb) decision to extend the authorization of the insecticide Gazelle (acetamiprid) through 2034. This legal action increases the risk of market withdrawal or significantly restricted use conditions for acetamiprid-based products if the regulator is forced to re-evaluate based on newer pollinator safety data.

29 Mar 2026, 17:39pan-netherlands.orgNetherlandsEuropean Union

France – Nouvelle-Aquitaine BSV Signals Reduced Sensitivity to Flonicamide in Apple and Pear Surveillance

French regional authorities reported laboratory-confirmed sensitivity shifts for flonicamide in apple and pear orchards in March 2026. This signals potential future efficacy loss and increased regulatory scrutiny, requiring manufacturers and growers to prioritize resistance management and biocontrol alternatives.

28 Mar 2026, 20:27opusv2-prod.chambres-agriculture.frFrance

EFSA Develops B‑risk Biocides Web Application for Bee Risk Assessment

EFSA has launched the "B-risk Biocides" web application to standardize risk assessments for bees exposed to biocidal products. This tool signals a move toward more rigorous, data-driven pollinator safety evaluations, potentially raising the bar for future biocide approvals and product registrations in the EU.

27 Mar 2026, 18:40efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan Publishes Amendment To Pesticide Registration Standards For Terrestrial Organisms

Japan has updated its pesticide registration standards, introducing new assessment pathways for wild bees and revised environmental benchmark values effective March 24, 2026. Registrants must review environmental risk dossiers to ensure compliance with tightened limits and the clarified colony-level impact assessment options for terrestrial organisms.

27 Mar 2026, 16:19kanpo.go.jpJapan

Autonomous Province of Bolzano Bans Bee‑Harmful Pesticides During Flowering of Fruit Trees Up to 500 m a.s.l.

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano has banned the use of bee-harmful pesticides during the flowering of fruit trees below 500m, effective late March 2026. Agricultural operators must transition to bee-safe alternatives or adjust application timing, signaling increased regional regulatory pressure on chemical use to meet biodiversity and pollinator protection goals.

27 Mar 2026, 07:48agricoltura.provincia.bz.itItaly

Japan MAFF Consults On Draft Honeybee Impact Assessment for 2,4-D (Isopropylamine and Dimethylamine Salts)

Japan’s MAFF is consulting on a draft honeybee impact assessment for 2,4-D herbicide salts through April 21, 2026. This assessment signals potential future use restrictions or label changes for 2,4-D formulations to address pollinator protection requirements.

26 Mar 2026, 11:30public-comment.e-gov.go.jpJapan

EFSA Registers Application on Ethephon MRLs in Honey (EFSA-Q-2025-00196)

EFSA has commenced the assessment of an application to establish or modify Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for ethephon in honey. Supply chain operators should anticipate potential updates to residue compliance standards that may impact product testing and market access requirements.

19 Mar 2026, 10:05open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

California AB 2254 Would Require Monarch Butterfly Habitat Policies In Local Coastal Programs

California is advancing AB 2254, which would require the Coastal Commission to establish model policies by July 2027 for protecting monarch butterfly habitats within local coastal programs. Businesses with coastal operations or land-use interests should prepare for stricter habitat-related development restrictions and potential shifts in local land-management requirements.

18 Mar 2026, 19:10leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

EU NGOs Launch 'For Health, Bees and Farmers' Campaign Against Weaker Pesticide Rules

EU NGOs have launched a campaign to block the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus proposal, claiming it weakens pesticide authorization standards. This advocacy pressure may lead to more stringent amendments, potentially jeopardizing the European Commission's efforts to simplify chemical approvals and extend substance authorizations.

18 Mar 2026, 16:58pan-europe.infoEuropean Union

Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Holds Bills On Paraquat Dichloride Ban and Neonicotinoid Restrictions for Further Consideration

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ban paraquat dichloride and strictly restrict neonicotinoid insecticides and treated seeds starting in 2027. This signals a shift toward state-level pesticide bans that bypass federal oversight, requiring supply chain adjustments and new compliance strategies for treated seed distribution.

14 Mar 2026, 14:42house.mn.govUnited States

California DPR Starts Evaluation of API-BIOXAL Oxalic Acid Dihydrate Insecticide (PRO-2503223)

California DPR initiated the registration evaluation for oxalic acid dihydrate-based insecticides in March 2026. This signals a move toward expanded market access for pollinator health products, requiring manufacturers to align commercial timelines with the state's review process.

14 Mar 2026, 08:28content.govdelivery.comUnited States

California DPR Starts Evaluation Of API-BIOXAL RTU For Bee Varroa Mite Control

California has commenced the formal evaluation of API-BIOXAL RTU, a new oxalic acid-based treatment for varroa mite control in honeybees. Successful registration will grant market access for this insecticide, necessitating future adherence to California-specific labeling, stewardship, and distribution requirements.

14 Mar 2026, 08:25content.govdelivery.comUnited States

EU Draft Regulation Updates Labelling Requirements for Plant Protection Products and Repeals Regulation (EU) No 547/2011

The EU has advanced a draft Regulation to modernize plant protection product (PPP) labelling, introducing mandatory digital labels and aligning with new CLP hazard classes by January 2028. Manufacturers must prepare for significant label redesigns and digital infrastructure to meet harmonized safety communication requirements and the 2030 deadline for full digital integration.

13 Mar 2026, 13:10ec.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic Area