Over the last few decades, allergies have become increasingly prevalent in the population in many countries, and especially in France. Pollen of the ragweed, which is an invasive exotic plant, causes allergic reactions in many people. ANSES is examining several species of ragweed in order to contribute to the prevention and management of their introduction and propagation. It is evaluating the risk of propagation of different ragweed species, and has also been asked to assess the risk of introduction of the small Ophraella communa beetle as a biological control solution to ragweed.

Biocontrol is one of the solutions that could facilitate the substitution of synthetic plant protection products by non-chemical alternatives, with a view to achieving the goals of the French Ecophyto 2018 plan to reduce pesticide use. Although they are of natural origin, these plant protection products still have to be scientifically assessed, in terms of their effectiveness and their safety to health and the environment, before they can be placed on the market. ANSES has set up a specific system to give priority to applications concerning biocontrol products, including shorter timeframes for their examination and reduced fees, with the aim of promoting their development.