Biocontrol: the essential alternative for the future of agriculture
Biocontrol has become one of the most promising tools to face the challenges of European agriculture. The withdrawal of conventional plant protection products has created a gap that can only be filled with effective, sustainable, and residue-free solutions. In this context, biocontrol is not a future option—it is a present-day necessity.
What is biocontrol and why is it key to current agriculture?
Biocontrol, also known as biological control, refers to the use of living organisms or natural substances to protect crops against pests and diseases. Far from being a passing trend, it is a sustainable and effective solution aligned with growing regulatory and environmental demands.
At Altinco, we have spent years working with natural, residue-free solutions designed to anticipate the challenges of the sector. Today, this approach is not just an opportunity: it is an urgent need.
Fewer conventional tools, more uncertainty in the field
Since 2017, European farmers have lost nearly one-third of their conventional crop protection solutions. This reduction has been driven by regulatory restrictions due to stricter food safety and environmental standards.
The result is a gap in pest management that threatens the productivity, quality, and profitability of many farms. In this context, biocontrol stands out as the most viable, safe, and cost-effective response in the medium and long term.
Biocontrol as an effective, sustainable, and integrated solution
Biocontrol is an essential part of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Thanks to its natural origin and specific mode of action, it helps maintain the balance of agricultural ecosystems without generating residues or harming the natural enemies of pests.
Moreover, these types of solutions:
- Reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals.
- Support biodiversity in the agricultural environment.
- Minimize the risk of resistance.
- Comply with the strictest EU regulations.
At Altinco, we know these benefits well because we have been researching and formulating solutions that combine efficacy, safety, and sustainability for decades. Our Plant Guards range includes biocontrol formulations based on basic substances, such as Altinco Fortig and Altinco Binal, designed to be integrated into sustainable crop protection strategies.
Biocontrol in Europe: barriers and opportunities
Despite its potential, biocontrol still faces significant barriers in the European market. The main ones are:
- Slow registration processes that delay access to new products.
- Lack of regulatory harmonization between member states.
- Limited visibility and technical training in the field.
Overcoming these challenges is possible. A firm commitment is needed from administrations, research centers, and companies like Altinco to accelerate the adoption of these solutions. From our experience in the field and in the lab, we are committed to supporting farmers throughout the transition process toward biocontrol.
Towards a future-proof agriculture thanks to biocontrol
The ban on using conventional solutions for crop treatment does not have to be a problem. Rather, it can be the necessary push to move towards a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive agriculture. These types of natural solutions are becoming a proven alternative to achieve this.
n addition to meeting current regulatory requirements, biocontrol offers a realistic path for agriculture to move towards more sustainable models, reduce its environmental footprint, and strengthen its capacity to adapt to increasingly changing conditions. Incorporating these solutions means anticipating the sector’s future with technical decisions that bring real value to the crop, the environment, and the consumer.
At Altinco, we support our partners, distributors, and farmers to discover a better future together with effective, safe, and crop-adapted solutions for today and tomorrow.
