Mancozeb: Global summit held in UK ahead of court hearing
17th June 2025
Experts gathered at Rothamsted Research in the UK to highlight the vital role of mancozeb, ahead of an EU renewal case in July.
The unprecedented global summit saw experts discuss the impact of the withdrawal of mancozeb – as the European Union’s General Court prepares to hear its renewal case on 1st July.
The summit comprised farmers, researchers, and agriculture experts from around the globe and was hosted by the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science in Agriculture (CERSA), supported by UPL Corporation Ltd.
In his opening remarks, UPL Corp CEO Mike Frank said the multi-site fungicide is a foundational technology for disease protection in plants.
“It’s particularly crucial for growers managing fungal diseases in crops like bananas, soybeans, potatoes, and fruits and vegetables. It provides reliable, multi-site protection, helping prevent resistance build-up and ensuring consistent yields.
“These conversations are vital for the future of farming and the well-being of our planet.”
Mancozeb was revoked in the EU in 2020 and in the UK in 2024.
Earlier this month it was announced that the European Court of Justice had set the renewal hearing for 1stJuly.
The EU High Court case cited various procedural errors, challenging the decision of the General Court, which supported the European Commission’s decision to withdraw the authorisation of Mancozeb in 2020.
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Severe consequences
Attendees at the summit heard that since mancozeb’s withdrawal, farmers across Europe and beyond have faced increased challenges controlling fungal diseases and resistance to single-site fungicides.
Mancozeb’s absence has significantly impacted potato, fruit, and vegetable growers who used the cost-effective tool for its multi-site action to protect against disease while managing resistance.
“We want to apply fewer pesticides to our crops, and a multi-site tool like mancozeb helps us do this,” said Catarina Pereira from Porbatata, the Portuguese Potato Association.
“Without mancozeb, farmers are forced to use alternative products that are costlier and require higher volumes.”
Experts noted severe consequences of mancozeb’s absence, particularly regarding the management of diseases like potato blight.
Strains resistant to carboxylic acid amide and oxathiapiprolin fungicides caused widespread devastation in regions like the Netherlands, Northern Germany, and Denmark in 2022 and 2023.
French farmer and FEDEPOM representative Jean-Paul Deneuville commented: “Some growers lost whole crops to potato blight in 2024. Without mancozeb, farmers are applying 2–3 times more fungicides, significantly increasing costs.”
Impact on fruit growing
Fruit growers have also felt the impact. “Mancozeb was one of three tools available for apple scab management,” said Xavier Le Clanche of the Association Nationale Pommes Poires.
“Losing mancozeb has reduced our ability to combat scab and left us with no solution against rust diseases. Growers are now faced with difficult decisions about replanting crops or shifting production entirely in some historical production areas.”
Accelerating resistance
David Cooke from the James Hutton Institute noted: “The lack of mancozeb in fungicide programs was a contributing factor to the spread of resistant strains. Reintroducing this tool can protect other products and help manage resistance.”
Delegates at the summit anticipate that the upcoming EU Court hearing will provide an opportunity to re-evaluate the 2020 decision.
French potato producer representative Oriane Vialle-Guerin explained: “The more you limit the number of approved crop protection solutions, the more pressure you place on those remaining, and this accelerates resistance issues.”
Hope for meaningful progress
Farmers and industry experts at the summit voiced hope for a decision that would prioritise food security and affordability across Europe.
Portuguese representatives highlighted the positive impact of mancozeb’s reinstatement, not just for crop protection but for cost management, sustainability, and fewer pesticide applications overall.
Adrian Percy, executive director of the NC Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI) at North Carolina State University expressed optimism about the summit’s role in driving meaningful progress.
“This dialogue on the science, real-world applications, and a path forward for mancozeb is essential. Giving farmers access to the tools they need isn’t just about farming; it’s about securing food production and sustainability for future generations.”
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