Biotalys Secures Dutch Approval for 350-Hectare EVOCA NG Trials

Belgian agricultural technology company Biotalys has received regulatory approval to conduct large-scale commercial demonstration trials of its next-generation biofungicide, EVOCA NG, in the Netherlands. Announced on 3 November 2026, the Dutch Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) authorization permits trials covering up to 350 hectares, including 150 hectares of tomatoes, 150 hectares of cucumbers, and 50 hectares of strawberries. The approval marks the first commercial-scale application of EVOCA NG under real growing conditions, ahead of its anticipated European registration and launch in 2029.

 

Developed using Biotalys' proprietary AGROBODY technology, EVOCA NG is a protein-based biological crop protection product designed to control Botrytis and powdery mildew. Botrytis, commonly associated with grey mould, can damage flowers, fruits, leaves and stems, reducing crop yields and marketable quality. Powdery mildew primarily affects leaves and other green tissues, weakening plant growth and potentially affecting productivity. The technology is intended to give growers an additional crop protection option, as resistance to conventional fungicides and restrictions on certain chemical treatments reduce the availability of existing products.

 

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The Dutch authorization significantly expands Biotalys' previous demonstration program involving its first-generation biofungicide, EVOCA. Importantly, harvested produce from the newly approved trials can enter the food supply chain, allowing growers to evaluate the product under commercial production conditions. The larger trials will provide opportunities to assess application practices, disease control and compatibility with existing crop protection programs while Biotalys continues product development and production optimization. The authorization is limited to demonstration trials and does not constitute full commercial registration of EVOCA NG in Europe.

 

Carlo Boutton, Chief Executive Officer of Biotalys, said, "The approval of this demonstration program marks an important milestone for our company." He highlighted the value of allowing growers to evaluate the technology across larger areas while retaining the ability to market harvested produce. According to Biotalys, previous field demonstrations have generated interest among Dutch growers seeking alternative disease management solutions. The company sees the expanded program as an important step toward commercial readiness for its protein-based biofungicide technology.

 

Growers participating in earlier EVOCA trials also reported positive experiences. Noud Dings of Brookberries said, "We applied EVOCA on 3.7 hectares of strawberries with great results," and the product replaced a synthetic fungicide in a crop protection rotation program. Rob van Enckevort of De Peelkroon reported successfully using EVOCA against powdery mildew in strawberries for two consecutive years. Both growers expressed interest in evaluating EVOCA NG through the newly authorized trials. The results will help Biotalys assess grower adoption and practical performance ahead of its targeted European market introduction in 2029.

 

Source: Biotalys