The Global Coffee Platform (GCP) is continuing the review of its Pesticides Lists as part of the broader review of the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code). Feedback received during the public consultation highlighted the need to further assess the pesticides included in the Phase-out List and to provide greater clarity on timelines and approaches.

Following stakeholder input, technical benchmarking and the work of the GCP Pesticides Task Force (PTF), GCP has developed an interim solution for the active ingredients that were included in the 2026 Phase-out List. They are now part of the Interim 2030 Phase-out List.

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What is the Interim 2030 Phase-out list?

The Interim 2030 Phase-out List provides a temporary approach for the progressive reduction of pesticides identified for phase-out while the technical review of the GCP Pesticides Lists is undertaken.

It includes substances previously designated for phase-out by 2026, which are now subject to a Priority Technical Review, as well as substances previously designated for phase-out by 2030, which are now subject to a General Technical Review.

The technical review will consider scientific evidence, changes in Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and upcoming legislation, as well as the relevance of individual active ingredients to coffee production. It will also consider country context, the availability and feasibility of alternatives, risk-mitigation measures and realistic transition requirements.

The Interim 2030 Phase-out List will remain in effect until 31 December 2030, providing time for the complete technical review to be undertaken, determining the appropriate treatment of individual active ingredients and allowing producers and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare and adapt. Any changes resulting from the technical review will be communicated with sufficient advance notice.

This extended timeframe also provides an opportunity for producers and other stakeholders to accelerate and expand the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices, while strengthening risk mitigation measures such as improved application technology and operator training. At the same time, it enables GCP and other stakeholders to develop initiatives to raise awareness and identify, trial and promote feasible alternatives.

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Next steps

As part of moving the technical review forward, GCP will continue working with the Pesticides Task Force and the GCP Technical Committee on developing a longer-term approach for the governance and maintenance of the GCP Pesticides Lists, including considerations of the future role and structure of a permanent GCP Pesticides Action Group (PAG). The aim is to ensure that the lists remain credible, relevant and responsive as scientific evidence, regulatory requirements and production realities evolve.

Immediate next steps include working with the GCP-affiliated Country Platforms to gather further relevant information, and advancing the work with 4C, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA on their approaches to their respective pesticide lists, with the aim of identifying opportunities for further alignment and harmonization that would benefit the coffee sector.

GCP will keep its members and coffee stakeholders informed as the work progresses and further decisions are taken.