Regulatory process also advancing in key markets California and Europe

 Biotalys , an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrols for sustainable crop protection, today announced that its innovative biofungicide EVOCA has achieved state registration in Florida. This marks the first approval of an AGROBODY biocontrol by a U.S. state, underscoring a significant milestone for the company and the broader biocontrol sector.

The Florida Department of Agriculture accepted EVOCA with the broad label previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This state recognition confirms the product’s robust regulatory profile and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in the region, in particular in controlling the key fungal diseases Botrytis and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables.

Carlo Boutton, interim CEO of Biotalys, commented: “We are proud to see EVOCA obtain state registration in Florida, as it sets the stage for the future of our protein-based biocontrol solutions. Florida is the second largest U.S. state for the production of key fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers that face significant challenges from diseases like Botrytis and powdery mildew. The first state-level approval for our novel biocontrol underscores our commitment to providing innovative tools to growers locally and validates our technology for continued product developments. We look forward to advancing sustainable crop protection and supporting growers with science-driven solutions that meet market demands both in terms of efficacy and sustainability.”

Regulatory progress in California and Europe

In California, the largest agricultural state in the U.S., the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is progressing its review of EVOCA and its Human Health Assessment Branch has now accepted the EPA-approved label. The next administrative steps are in process, and approval is currently projected for the second half of 2026, further validating the safety and efficacy of Biotalys’ technology.

Regulatory review of EVOCA in the European Union is also advancing with the two-month public consultation phase expected to be initiated this week. Both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products (CTGB) will then review comments after which the dossier is expected to proceed to the decision phase.