protected crop

A protected crop is a crop grown under controlled conditions, such as in greenhouses, glasshouses, tunnels, or other covered systems, where the plants are protected from direct exposure to outdoor weather. These systems can influence how pests develop and how substances like pesticides behave on the crop.

EFSA takes protected crops into account mainly when assessing plant protection products (pesticides). Growing conditions in protected systems can affect pesticide use patterns, residue levels, and pest pressure, which may differ from open-field crops. EFSA uses specific data for protected crops to assess consumer exposure to pesticide residues, evaluate whether proposed uses are safe, and support the setting of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). By distinguishing protected crops from field-grown crops, EFSA ensures that risk assessments reflect realistic agricultural practices and provide reliable scientific advice to protect consumer health.