Platforma Sygnalizacji Agrofagów - Online Pest Warning System

List of plant protection products approved for use in organic agriculture

The protection of crops using reduced amounts of pesticides relies on integrated plant production, and also principles of organic farming.

Organic farming is defined as a sustainable system of plant and animal production. Organic production should therefore combine environmentally friendly farming practices, promote a high level of biodiversity, utilize natural processes taking place in the environment, and ensure high animal welfare standards.

Production at organic farms carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable development relies primarily on the use of proper crop rotation and other natural methods of maintaining or increasing the biological activity of soil, the selection of plant species and varieties, as well as animal species and breeds that have natural resistance to diseases and are adapted to the local climate.

Key measures used in organic farming:

1. in plant production, cultivation practices should maintain or increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, increase the stability and biological activity of soil, and prevent soil compaction and erosion,
2. fertility and biological activity of soil is maintained or increased through long-term crop rotation, use of Fabaceae and other plants as green fertilizer, as well as manure or organic matter, preferably composted, and obtained from organic production,
3. biodynamic preparations may also be used,
4. pests, diseases and weeds should be controlled by the protection of natural enemies of pests, the choice of appropriate species and varieties, appropriate rotation programmes and cultivation techniques, flame weeding and steam sterilization,
5. only in cases of imminent or serious threat to the crop are farmers allowed to use plant protection products approved for organic production referred to in Council Regulation (EC) no. 834/2007.

Pursuant to the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) no. 834/2007, products and substances, including plant protection products, to be used in organic production must be authorised for use in general agriculture based on national provisions in conformity with Community law. This means that plant protection products for use in organic production shall be:

1. approved (including the label) for use based on the authorization issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and
2. contained in the restricted list of products and substances which may be used in organic farming.

The list is presented in Annex II to Commission Regulation (EC) no. 889/2008.

Plant protection products that meet the two criteria specified above do not require additional certification by authorized institutions to be used in organic farming. Nevertheless, in order to help organic farmers in the choice of these products, the Institute of Plant Protection - National Research Institute has been appointed to assess and confirm the compliance of plant protection products for organic production, and to maintain their list.

List of plant protection products approved for use in organic farming 

Plant protection products approved for use in organic farming are also preferred in integrated pest management.

Farmers are obliged to keep documents justifying the need to use a specific plant protection product in organic production. In addition, traps and dispensers used for plant protection products, except pheromone dispensers, must prevent the penetration of the products into the environment, and prevent their contact with crops. Traps should be removed after use and disposed of safely.