Every chemical compound used as a component of agrochemical products is subject to careful control mechanisms before being allowed into the EU market.

Within the context of these EU-level control and authorisation processes, there may be campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and the decision-makers involved in these processes, which are not always based on accurate scientific grounds.

To prevent hostile narratives from compromising the market authorisation of safe key agrochemical products essential for ensuring consumer health and European food security, the team supports agrochemical manufacturers at every step of the (re)authorisation process. This support varies greatly depending on the substance and may involve the development of policy and scientific papers and public positions, coalition building, stakeholder mapping and engagement, event organisation, and scientific symposiums, among others.

In several cases, our expertise and ongoing support allowed for a scientifically based discussion which finally led to the EU-level authorisation of multiple substances key for both human and animal health and European food production.

EU rules on excise duty rates for alcohol establish unbalanced rates for wine, beer, and spirits. Equalising these rates is difficult due to the need for unanimity at the Council level. As such, our client had an interest in raising awareness about the discriminatory nature of the directive and exploring future possibilities for improvement.

Our team engaged in comprehensive stakeholder mapping and intelligence gathering, submitting a detailed response to the relevant EU Public Consultation. We established strong relationships with the relevant Commission authorities and organised impactful events to raise awareness among EU decision-makers about the directive's discriminatory feature.

The client's positions were heard and taken into account by EU decision-makers, marking significant progress in addressing the unequal treatment of spirit drinks.

Exporting agricultural commodities like fruits and vegetables to the EU involves complex regulations and standards. International clients, including those from Africa and America, often face challenges meeting these requirements. Misleading campaigns can further hinder market access.

Our team supports global commodity exporters and producers by providing regulatory guidance, developing policy and scientific documentation, and crafting public advocacy. We build coalitions, map and engage stakeholders, and organise events - among others - to enhance access to the EU market for international producers and exporters to the EU, promote beneficial relations with the EU, and ensure compliance of their agricultural products in the EU.

Our expertise and ongoing support have facilitated the successful entry of numerous international agricultural commodities into the EU market, ensuring compliance and promoting fair trade.