On 11 May 2026, the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC) shared its plans to enhance biopesticide laboratory capacity assessment during the 30th meeting of the Expert Working Group on the Harmonization of Maximum Residue Limits (EWG-MRLs), held via video conference. This initiative aims to discuss and support the establishment of regional biopesticide reference laboratories in response to the growing demand for biopesticides across ASEAN Member States (AMSs).
During the meeting, Kirana Nadhilla, a JICA consultant for Output 2 of AJFVC from CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd., presented background information on the expansion of the biopesticide market in ASEAN, and highlighted critical challenges faced by AMSs, including the limited availability of specialized biopesticide laboratories and trained personnel. To address these issues, AJFVC plans to conduct technical assessments and gap analyses of selected laboratories to help identify regional requirements and support the initiative aligns with Workstream 2 of the ASEAN Biopesticide Regulatory Project for future capacity building activities.
In the coming months, AJFVC under Output 2 plans to conduct initial assessments of laboratory capacities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. This assessment will examine existing laboratory infrastructure, analytical methods, quality
assurance systems, and technical gaps related to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The findings are expected to contribute to the preparation of recommendation. The activities presented during the meeting are intended as preparatory technical support for regional discussion on enhancing biopesticide laboratory capacity and strengthening personnel expertise.
Ultimately, contributing to the strengthening of sanitary and phytosanitary system through improved biopesticide regulatory and laboratory capacity, this initiative supports promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural production throughout the region.
