The world population is expected to reach 9.8 billion people by 2050, resulting in a tremendous increase in food demands. Today, bacterial pathogens are responsible for 17% of crop yield losses globally, making crop protection essential for food security. Agriculture still mostly depends on chemical pesticides. However, their use is under large pressure because of their impact on the environment and the development of resistance. Legislative authorities and consumers therefore call for reduced use of chemical pesticides. As part of its ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy, Europe aims to reduce their use by 50%. An integrated approach, combining innovative biobased technologies and best practices to combat plant diseases and pests is crucial to meet this European ambition.

Phage-based solutions perfectly fit in this integrated pest management. Several studies initiated within the Belgian Phage Valley demonstrate the potential of phages or their enzymes to manage bacterial plant diseases and hence increase crop yield. Nevertheless, to date there is only a limited number of commercially available phage products on the crop protection market, especially within Europe. Belgian Phage Valley members are joining forces to harness phage-based solutions for biocontrol in crop production, providing unique opportunities for a green future.