EU Crop Protection Compliance: Key Takeaways from Fruit Attraction 2025
Last week, I attended Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid, one of Europe’s most influential trade fairs for the fresh produce industry. This year, one topic clearly dominated the conversation: EU crop protection compliance and the upcoming regulation on recording the use of plant protection products.
Unlike 2024, when the topic was barely on the radar, this year the industry is taking it seriously. Cooperatives, producer groups, wholesalers, and agronomists are now actively preparing to meet the new digital documentation requirements coming into force in January 2026.
A noticeable change in industry mindset
In 2024, conversations about the upcoming requirements for reporting on crop treatment products—such as pesticides, herbicides, and other PPPs—were often met with shrugs or deferred to “future concerns.” Fast forward to 2025, and the vibe has shifted dramatically. Attendees from across the supply chain, including cooperatives (coops), wholesalers, producer groups, and other stakeholders, were deeply engaged in assessing how to ensure their farmer networks comply with the new rules. It’s evident that the deadline is no longer abstract; it’s prompting real action to avoid disruptions in operations and trade.
This regulation, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, mandates that professional users electronically record details like the name of the PPP, application time and dose, treated area, and crop type. The goal is to enhance traceability, promote sustainable use, and reduce environmental impacts, aligning with broader EU initiatives like the Farm to Fork strategy.
How Member States implement the EU regulations? Spain Leads, Others Follow
Spain Leads the Way
Spain reaffirmed its commitment to the timeline. The plans for implementation starting January 2026 remain on track, with requirements for electronic documentation of crop applications to ensure seamless compliance across the agricultural sector.
Austria and Switzerland Follow Similar Models
Both countries are developing national databases and APIs to facilitate data submission, mirroring Spain’s structured digital approach.
Germany Chooses a Simplified Path
Germany is taking a simpler approach, planning to enforce the 2026 requirements through simply storing the data in a digital tool.
Each country’s strategy varies, but the goal is the same: streamlined, verifiable, and digital crop protection documentation.
How Farmable is Positioning Farmers for Success
At Farmable, our farm management software has been ahead of the curve on these requirements for quite some time. Designed specifically for on farm, in the field use, it simplifies daily operations while automatically ensuring robust documentation. We guarantee that users in European countries will comply with the new regulations, provided they use the platform in a structured manner—tracking applications, doses, and fields with ease.
But compliance isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about empowering the entire ecosystem. We’ve recognized that many players beyond individual farmers are involved in streamlining processes. For instance, coops often handle spray logs on behalf of their members. To support this, we’ve developed specialized tools that help coops onboard farmers, guide them through best practices, and maintain accurate records collectively.
Why Data Sharing Matters for European Agriculture
We firmly believe that sharing data is essential for building a more efficient European agriculture sector. Our API allows other stakeholders—such as agronomists, wholesalers, or regulatory bodies—to access and format data into the mandatory structures required by the EU. This interoperability prevents redundant work and turns what could be a bureaucratic hassle into a streamlined process, ultimately benefiting farmers by reducing administrative burdens.
Unlocking Efficiency Through Digitization
As these documentation processes become digitized, the doors open to broader efficiency gains throughout the farming industry. The transition to digital tools isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s a catalyst for innovation and sustainability.
Preparing for EU Crop Protection Compliance in 2026
If you’re in the fresh produce space and navigating these changes, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How is your organization preparing? Farmable is already helping farms and cooperatives digitize their operations and simplify compliance.
💬 Want to learn more?
Let’s connect, send an email to lpb@farmable.tech and let’s discuss how Farmable can help your organization adapt to the new EU crop protection regulation — and turn compliance into an opportunity for smarter, more sustainable growth.