The European Precision Application Task Force (EUPAF) prepares for flexible risk mitigation options as a regulatory enabler for precision application

Application of plant protection products in Europe is evolving towards precision application introducing the need to connect the techniques/technologies with regulatory frameworks. The European Precision Application Task Force (EUPAF) was established to create a scientific platform for connecting expertise in precision applications and risk assessment and management. EUPAF members identified use categories for precision applications, developed a terminology to reflect these categories in regulatory dossiers, and proposed changes to risk assessment scenarios. This discussion paper introduces for the first time the concept of Flexible Risk Mitigation developed by the task force to initiate a dialogue with stakeholders on its usefulness and feasibility. The concept proposes the development of a regulatory-approved algorithm that integrates predefined site characteristics e.g. soil type, and local site information e.g. wind speed to support a flexible implementation of risk mitigation measures.