Ad-hoc Meeting with Pesticides Industries Associations

Background

EFSA held the “Ad hoc stakeholder meeting with pesticides industry associations” on 15 December 2025 in Parma.
This ad hoc meeting aimed at setting up a direct communication and an open dialogue between scientific risk assessors and industry associations working in pesticides.

The meeting focused on three key points:

Applicants’ reliance on application of current EFSA guidance documents A discussion followed the presentation from CropLife Europe, addressing thyroid endocrine disruption guidance. Strong appreciation for the Recurring Issues meetings and documentation as a forum for shared learning, however concerns were raised on Appendix A of the ED guidance and its list of possible tests as well as on how study results should be interpreted. EFSA underlined that the Recurring Issues document is not a formal guidance, but it provides clarification when needed. Core ED determination for thyroid modality is based on mandatory in vivo guideline studies defined in the guidance. Appendix A studies are optional and intended to i) support assessment of human relevance where ED criteria are met and ii) complement, not replace, mandatory evidence. Additionally, it stressed EFSA’s efforts to collaborate with ECHA to improve scientific clarity and expectations. EFSA highlighted interest in greater involvement of industry experts as hearing experts in technical discussions, under structured formats.

EFSA strategy on Specific Protection Goals (SPGs) setting (Non-Target Terrestrial Organisms Guidance) Following the presentation, the discussion focused on environmental assessments, noting their complexity. EFSA responded that there is a need to balance simplification with scientific adequacy, observing that oversimplification would force conservative assumptions. The protocol reflects the complexity of biodiversity protection and the European Commission mandate; simplification is desirable but not always feasible. Additionally, considerations were made on indirect effects of the use of pesticides  . EFSA invited IA participants to submit their comments to the protocol and ensured that all comments will be considered in the development of the guidance.
EFSA also stressed that agronomic expertise will be included when developing the guidance and welcomed industry associations to share data and technical insights to ensure a sound output. 

Overview of support activities to Member States and Applicants in the Pesticide process
EFSA presented an overview of the support services available to applicants and Member States throughout the pesticide application process., and the engagement opportunities for applicants and industry associations.