Regulation reset, resistance and innovation to shape debate at BCPC Congress 2026

Leading experts from industry, government and academia to address key 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, particularly Labour’s proposed “EU Reset”. While recent developments – including Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation and the postponement of the EU summit – have introduced additional uncertainty, closer UK-EU alignment remains a core Labour policy. This raises important questions for industry around what greater alignment could mean in practice, particularly in relation to compliance requirements, market access and long-term 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 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 such as Lord Curry of Kirkharle.

Early Bird registration is now open. For full programme details and to secure your place, visit: www.bcpccongress.org