Here’s a snapshot of the main frameworks protecting plant health, the environment, and the agroeconomy: 

1. Plant Health Regulation (EU 2016/2031)

In force since December 2019, this regulation strengthens the EU’s ability to prevent, detect, and manage plant pests. It introduced stricter import controls, better monitoring, and rapid-response systems to contain outbreaks before they spread: CITRUSBUSTERS is the perfect interpretation of this. (ref.1)

The Plant Passport System

A key tool under this regulation is the Plant Passport System. With this, plant passports became mandatory labels for professional plant trade within the EU. They certify that items meet EU phytosanitary standards, free from regulated pests, and include traceability details. (ref.2)  

2. Strategies under the European Green Deal

Farm to Fork strategy 

Launched in May 2020 as part of the European Green Deal, this strategy promotes a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable food system. It aims to dramatically reduce chemical pesticide use, support organic farming (25% of farmland by 2030), and leverage innovations like biotech to transform agriculture.(ref.3) 

EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 

Also part of the Green Deal, this strategy focuses on restoring ecosystems and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. Key objectives include cutting pesticide use by 50% and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, boosting organic and agroecological farming practices, and strengthening biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems.(ref.4) 

Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) 

It was launched in 2020.  It aims to ensure that chemicals – –  including pesticides and biocontrol agents – – are safe, sustainable, and support innovation. 

CSS encourages biological alternatives to hazardous pesticides and promotes solutions aligned with circular economy principles. (ref.5) 

3. Broader supporting regulations (ref.6)

These complementary policies reinforce plant health protections: 

• REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) 

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) controls the production and use of chemical substances in the EU, including those used in pesticides and biopesticides.  

It ensures that only safe substances reach the market and encourages replacing dangerous chemicals with sustainable, less harmful alternatives. (ref.7) 

• CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008 amended to 1272/2008) 

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation standardizes how chemical hazards are communicated within the EU. CLP ensures transparency and consistency across member states, by harmonizing labels and safety information.(ref.8)

• Pesticide Regulation (EU 1107/2009): This regulation sets the rules for approving, marketing, and using plant protection products in the EU. It ensures that active substances and additives are strictly evaluated to protect human and animal health and the environment, while harmonizing standards across Member States to support safe and sustainable agricultural production. (ref.9)

CITRUSBUSTERS is helping to turn these strategies into real-world solutions.  

Its early detection tools, such as hyperspectral imaging and AI-powered warning systems, strengthen the preventive approach of the EU Plant Health Policy. Through DNA-free breeding techniques and natural biocontrol solutions, the project supports the Farm to Fork Strategy’s goal of reducing chemical dependence. Lastly, the development of validated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols and impact assessment tools  – covering environmental, economic, and social dimensions  – helps ensure compliance, sustainability, and evidence-based policymaking within EU frameworks.