IntraCrop commits to industry at Expert’s Forum in key EBIC roles
IntraCrop attends EBIC Expert’s Forum
As a science-led organisation, IntraCrop is committed to supporting development and growth within the biostimulant industry. Its dedication to this cause is evidenced by the presence of several team members taking on roles on the Project Teams of the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC). EBIC aims to shape and develop industry regulations which includes advancing the science behind biostimulants, something that lies at the heart of IntraCrop’s ethos. As part of these roles, Mark and Neal attended the EBIC Expert’s Forum on 19th March, where a need for collaboration and innovation was the key takeaway of the day.
Mark Palmer, Managing Director of IntraCrop, has moved from PT Agronomy to and now serves as Co-Chair of the MTS Steering Group. The Mid-Term Strategy (MTS) is a key part of EBIC’s vision. This strategy aims to: harmonise the European market by giving all technologies equal access to market; extend the biostimulant market globally; educate and inform consumers and stakeholders on biostimulants and their uses; and leverage the EBIC culture.
Mark says, “For nearly a decade, an IntraCrop team member has sat on an EBIC PT. Our continual involvement is evidence of our dedication to advancing the science and regulations that support biostimulant use and allow our industry to thrive. As EBIC aims to extend the market globally, something IntraCrop has been working towards as a company for some time, it felt like an appropriate moment to run for co-chair of the MTS Steering Group. It’s an exciting time to help guide the future of biostimulants. This year’s EEF raised several key questions on how we can influence regulation in other parts of the world, and our team is keen to support this in any way possible. We have long been keen contributors to EBIC’s data collection and submissions of evidence, sharing a wealth of research on key topics such as nutrient use efficiency. In our roles for 2025, we will continue this trend and keep pushing for a better understanding of biostimulant technologies.”
Neal Sanders, Operations Manager at IntraCrop, is the long standing co-leader on the Phosphites PT. It aims to support the European Commission’s amendment of the Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) to allow phosphite-based plant biostimulants (PBs)and is also working closely with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) consortium to address critical regulatory challenges.
Neal says, “To facilitate market access for phosphite-based plant biostimulants, EBIC is proposing an amendment to the Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). This change would align regulatory practices with the scientific evidence supporting the positive impact of phosphites. There is strong evidence that phosphites enhance nutrient use efficiency and therefore reduce the need for fertiliser applications. This offers benefits for farmers while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Many EBIC members and stakeholders had questions specifically around phosphites and the necessary regulatory changes around them, and we have discussed in detail what we as a PT can do to support this, as well as what other PTs can contribute. I am pleased to be part of this important work at the Expert’s Forum.”
One of the most remarkable achievements is that of Emily Way, Technical Officer, who has become the youngest-ever individual to be part of the Agronomy PT. As a working member of this team, Emily will take part in discussions around the expansion of the Biostimulant Use Case Matrix and developing a detailed data model on abiotic stress tolerance claims, which will strengthen EBIC’s advocacy efforts.
Emily’s appointment reflects IntraCrop’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of experts in the field. In her words, “Being the youngest-ever individual to contribute to the Agronomy PT is an honour. The whole team at IntraCrop is passionate about supporting the growth of the biostimulant sector, and I am excited to be part of EBIC’s work that will help to shape the future of agriculture as we know it.”
20th March 2025
