Regulatory Milestone Secures Future of Key HRAC Group 5 Herbicide
March 12, 2025 — Brussels, Belgium — FMC Corporation has secured a 15-year renewal for its active ingredient Lenacil in the European Union, following a positive vote by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCopaFF). This regulatory milestone ensures continued access to one of the few remaining herbicides from HRAC Group 5, offering farmers a sustainable and effective weed control solution.
Sustainability and Regulatory Approval
The renewal comes after extensive scientific and regulatory reviews that reaffirmed Lenacil’s safety and sustainability profile. Notably, the herbicide has been removed from the EU’s list of “Candidates for Substitution” (CFS), allowing for broader application and signaling its low risk to human health and the environment.
Sebastià Pons, President of FMC EMEA, remarked, “After the 15-year renewal in the EU, FMC will continue to develop Lenacil to bring the most value to our farmers and to bring the best herbicide solutions to them.”
Product Use and Agronomic Impact
Lenacil is a pre-emergent herbicide absorbed through the roots and is widely used in crops like sugar beet, fodder beet, spinach, and strawberries. Its effectiveness against weed-resistant populations plays a vital role in maintaining crop yields and economic stability, particularly for sugar beet growers across Europe.
The renewal provides reassurance to growers, regulatory agencies, and the agrochemical industry that Lenacil remains a critical component of integrated weed management programs.
Global Commitment to Crop Protection
FMC reiterated its global commitment to crop protection through ongoing investments in research and development. The company is actively pursuing international registrations and innovation strategies to enhance Lenacil’s market potential.
Export Perspective
While Lenacil’s primary market is Europe, FMC’s global supply chain supports exports to Latin America and parts of Asia. Key importer countries include Brazil and India, where sugar beet cultivation and resistance management are growing concerns.
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