Biotalys Wins Dutch Approval for EVOCA NG Trials
The Dutch Board approved large-scale commercial trials of Biotalys's protein-based biocontrol product on tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food
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Biotalys, an AgTech company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions, received approval from the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides to run large-scale demonstration trials of EVOCA NG. Commercial trials will be conducted by growers on up to 250 hectares of tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.
Why it matters
Many conventional crop protection products face resistance, are being phased out, or are no longer authorised, creating demand for alternative biocontrol options. The trials allow harvested produce to enter the food chain, moving the product closer to commercial use.
The approval covers up to 150 hectares each of tomatoes and cucumbers and 50 hectares of strawberries, with the trials targeting control of Botrytis and powdery mildew. Whether EVOCA NG performs at commercial scale has not yet been determined.
The players
Biotalys
Biotalys is an AgTech company based in Ghent, Belgium, developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for agriculture.
Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides
The Dutch regulatory body responsible for authorising plant protection products and biocides, which approved the EVOCA NG trials.
The details
The trials will evaluate EVOCA NG for control of Botrytis and powdery mildew, and produce harvested from the trials may enter the food chain. The program expands on earlier demonstration trials in which two Dutch growers applied the first-generation EVOCA.
Timeline
December 2025: EVOCA received EPA approval in the United States.
2026: EVOCA received state approval in Florida and California.
November 3, 2026: Biotalys announced Dutch approval for EVOCA NG trials.
2029: EVOCA NG is planned to receive European registration and launch in the U.S. and E.U.
Market Landscape
EVOCA NG extends the first-generation EVOCA, which already holds U.S. EPA approval, into European commercial trials as conventional crop protection products face resistance and phase-outs. The product targets a combined market of around USD 1.1 billion across the U.S. and E.U.
Commercial trials on tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries could eventually bring biocontrol-treated produce into the food chain. Consumers will not see any immediate change, as the product is not yet registered for sale.
The takeaway
Alternatives to conventional crop protection are moving from demonstration to commercial trial, so growers and shoppers should watch for the 2029 registration timeline before expecting these products on store shelves.
What happens next
EVOCA NG is planned to receive European registration and launch in the U.S. and E.U. in 2029.
Further reading
For broader context on alternatives to conventional crop treatments, explore Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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