Which Plant Protection Products Will Be Banned Due to Harmonization with EU Legislation

The European integration path of Ukraine involves a significant update of the list of permitted plant protection products (PPP), which will affect the use of key pesticides in agriculture. During a meeting with agricultural producers, Ministry of Economy representative Yuriy Bondarenko, along with industry experts, explained the state’s position on glyphosate, diquat, and neonicotinoids in the context of legislative changes.

This is reported by AgroReview

Glyphosate: Prospects and Regulatory Requirements

Glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, remains officially permitted for use in the European Union until 2033. At the same time, this active substance is included in the list of candidates for substitution, which obliges EU countries to prioritize safer alternatives when registering new products.

“As long as glyphosate is allowed in Europe, it will be allowed in Ukraine.”

However, the process of phasing out glyphosate is gradual and requires additional research that may take several years.

Diquat and Neonicotinoids: Restrictions and Challenges for Farmers

The use of diquat, the main active ingredient for desiccation, has already been banned in EU countries, creating conditions for similar changes in Ukraine in the near future. This is particularly acute for producers of rapeseed, sunflower, and other crops, where the use of desiccants is a critical stage in harvesting.

The situation is even more complicated with neonicotinoids—a group of insecticides typically used for seed treatment and protecting seedlings from soil pests. In the event of their ban, farmers face the necessity of finding alternatives; however, available substitutes, including pyrethroids, are also subject to strict restrictions. This creates technological difficulties for farmers and risks for future harvests.

Possible Consequences of Phasing Out Neonicotinoids:

• The need to use foliar insecticides at higher application rates;
• An increase in chemical load on the environment;
• A decrease in safety levels due to frequent re-treatments of crops.

Fungicidal Protection: Risks of Reducing the Range

A reduction in the list of permitted fungicides could significantly weaken the protection of crops from fungal pathogens. With a limited selection of active components, resistance in harmful organisms develops much faster, complicating the fight against them. Effective disease control requires combining at least two active substances with different mechanisms of action, which is becoming increasingly difficult under new European regulations.

Current Status of Key Active Substances

Ukrainian farmers are appealing to regulatory authorities to consider the real market capabilities and not rush to phase out proven products without effective and accessible alternatives. A premature ban could negatively impact yields and the country’s competitiveness in international markets.