EUROPE – EFSA: Draft statement on the general framework for assessing indirect effects of Plant Protection Products on biodiversity

EFSA (Environment, Plants & Ecotoxicology Unit) has launched a public consultation on a draft general framework for assessing indirect effects of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) on biodiversity via trophic interactions under agro-environmental conditions. This framework was developed in response to a mandate received in June 2024 from the European Commission, accompanying the one to review the Guidance Document (GD) on Terrestrial Ecotoxicology (EC, 2002).

The working group (WG) defines indirect effects of PPPs on biodiversity via trophic interactions and applies a pathways-to-harm approach to support problem formulation. This approach simplifies complex ecological processes into key initial, intermediate and final events relevant for regulatory assessment and for identifying mitigation options. Pathways to harm were structured based on terrestrial non-target organisms assessed under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and also considered indirect effects arising from the removal of target organisms.

Based on the problem formulation, the WG identified three overarching strategies to address indirect effects on biodiversity via trophic interactions: (i) preventive measures, (ii) adequate protection of non-target organisms at lower trophic levels, and (iii) actions to offset remaining effects, which predominantly arise from pest and weed removal.

The WG recommends that specific protection goals under development for terrestrial organisms consider their trophic function and that risk assessment methodologies are aligned accordingly. For remaining effects, the WG highlights the role of Member States’ National Action Plans under the Sustainable Use Directive, including measures to enhance the extent and quality of ecological infrastructures, and notes potential synergies with other EU policies, notably the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Common Agricultural Policy.

The public consultation ends on 22 July 2026.

To download: 

Draft statement framework indirect effects of PPP_for public consultation

Annex A Risk Mitigation Measures and Agronomic Practices Collection

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