Regulation Reset and Resistance
16th June 2026Shaping the Debate for BCPC Congress 2026
Leading experts from industry, government and academia to address current challenges facing UK crop production.
The UK crop protection sector is entering a period of renewed regulatory uncertainty, rising resistance pressures and rapid technological change – issues set to take centre stage at BCPC Congress 2026.
Held on 3-4 November 2026 in Harrogate, the Congress is organised by the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) in association with Sagentia Regulatory Forum. The event will bring together regulators, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers to exchange insights and explore emerging risks and opportunities.
A central focus will be the evolving UK-EU regulatory landscape, including the proposed “EU Reset” and what closer alignment could mean for industry. After several years of post-Brexit divergence, potential changes are introducing fresh uncertainty around compliance, market access and innovation planning.
Pesticide resistance will also be a major theme, with sessions examining trends across weeds, pathogens and insect pests. As resistance continues to evolve, the programme will explore its implications for product development, labelling and long-term crop protection strategies.
Alongside these developments, the Congress will highlight the role of innovation. Sessions will examine how artificial intelligence is being applied to regulatory processes, while advances in drone technology and digital labelling systems are supporting more precise, efficient and sustainable pesticide use.
The speaker line-up includes representatives from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Defra, the National Farmers Union (NFU), CropLife UK, BASF, Bayer and Syngenta, alongside experts from the Met Office, Rothamsted Research and ADAS, and academic institutions including the University of Nottingham, as well as prominent policy figures including Lord Curry of Kirkharle.
Early Bird registration is now open. For full programme details and to secure your place, visit: www.bcpccongress.org.
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