Digital Agriculture: Regulatory and Scientific Aspects of Precision Application

Advances in agricultural equipment, sensor technologies and digital tools are rapidly transforming the application of crop protection products. Precision application approaches are increasingly seen as an important contribution to sustainability goals, risk reduction strategies and more targeted product use.

At the same time, these developments raise important scientific and regulatory questions: How can precision applications be adequately reflected in GAP tables, risk assessment and authorisation conditions? Where do existing frameworks remain fit for purpose - and where is further adaptation needed?

Bringing together high-level stakeholders from authorities, industry, research organisations and academia, this conference provides a unique forum to exchange perspectives on current regulatory developments, scientific progress and practical challenges linked to precision application and digital technologies in plant protection.

Join the discussion, exchange expertise and gain valuable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape for digital and precision technologies in agriculture.

The Conference will be taking place in Cologne/Germany on 17 and 18 November 2026 and you can follow all the exciting contributions via our live stream!

Would you instead prefer to join on-site in Cologne? Then you can find further information here.

Highlights oft the last edition

Regulatory Status

• Update from the EU Commission: The inclusion of precision applications in the regulatory system
• HSE (UK): Drone technology update – risk assessment in the context of pesticide application
• International prespctive – navigating U.S. regulatory pathways
• EUPAF precision application and the GAP table
• Implications for risk mitigation and assessment

Technologies and Equipment

• Industry Outlook on Targeted Application
• AI in Digital Agriculture

Field Trials

• Precision application in 3D: Matching techno-logical progress with regulatory needs

Research and Academia

• The potential of spatially explicit mechanistic effect models

Who should attend this conference?

• Managing directors, managers, consultants and scientists working in the field of Plant Protection Products and active substances
• Technical experts from research & development
• Agricultural technology experts
• Producers, distributors and downstream users of Plant Protection Products
• Risk assessors
• Toxicologists
• Ecotoxicologists
• Product Stewards
• Regulators

Sectors that should take part:

• Agrochemical industry
• Agro-technological industry
• Biotech industry
• Research institutes
• Authorities
• Professional associations
• Contract laboratories/consultancies

Picture Credit: © elenabsl – AdobeStock