Workshop for the revision of the terrestrial ecotoxicology guidance document for pesticides risk assessment and for the development of an approach on indirect effects

Abstract

The workshop, co-organized by EFSA and the European Commission (DG SANTE) on 8-9 October 2024 in Brussels, was the first step in response to the mandates requesting EFSA to review the Guidance Document on Terrestrial Ecotoxicology and to develop a framework for assessing potential indirect effects on biodiversity through trophic interactions in agro-environmental conditions. The event featured three discussion rounds: Round 1 focused on identifying gaps in current practices, Round 2 provided deeper analysis of these gaps, and Round 3 examined data availability, feasibility, and potential methodologies for addressing the gaps identified in Rounds 1 and 2. The workshop's breakout sessions, central to the event, allowed participants to engage in in-depth discussions on five specialized topics: Exposure, Non-Target Arthropods, Non-Target Terrestrial Plants, in-soil organisms, and indirect effects. These sessions aimed to gather stakeholder input on the limitations of the current guidance, exchange knowledge on available data and test guidelines, and clarify expectations for the upcoming revision. Each group addressed specific aspects, such as exposure pathways, problem formulation, and effect assessment. The group on indirect effect, a topic currently lacking specific guidance, discussed what can be feasibly achieved in the course of the mandate timeframe. The plenary sessions, held at the end of each day, provided an opportunity for group rapporteurs to present the key findings from their breakout discussions, including identified gaps and suggestions for improvements. These presentations were followed by a Question & Answer session with the audience and reflections from EFSA on the discussions. The outcomes of the breakout sessions were enriching, offering valuable insights that will inform the revision of the guidance document, ensuring it reflects emerging needs and challenges in environmental protection.