Every year since 2015, the Bernard Blum Award has been given to innovative biocontrol products that have a high impact on the management of pests or diseases while having a low impact on human health and the environment.

Criteria

The Jury focuses on the following criteria:

• Scientific Foundation and Merit
• Degree of Innovation
• Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture
• Commercial opportunity

This year 4 innovations will be awarded at ABIM and they will have the chance to present their product.

• Bronze Award for an innovative Biocontrol product
• Silver Award for an innovative Biocontrol product
• Gold Award for an innovative Biocontrol product
• Award for best innovative product assisting uptake of biocontrol

An independent jury will select the winning products that provide an effective solution for the management of pests or diseases while having a low impact on human health and the environment.

New AG International has been the official partner since the inaugural Bernard Blum award in 2015.

In keeping with previous years, IBMA will award a trophy to the winner.

The prize for the Gold Winner also includes:

• one free advertisement in New AG International’s digital publication
• an interview in 2BMonthly, the highly regarded publication for biological ag inputs

And… the Gold Award winner also receives a complimentary registration for ABIM 2026.

The four shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to present their innovative products including a short video at the award ceremony at ABIM 2026, the premier global biocontrol industry event.

Deadline: June 15, 2026

Meet the Winners from 2025

• Gold Award: Axpera by Amoéba
  Axpera has been awarded the Gold Award for its groundbreaking approach to biocontrol by introducing amoeba as a new category of microbials in plant disease control. This innovative product offers a natural and effective solution for managing a variety of plant diseases, setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture.
  
• Silver Award: Outreach SC by Valent BioSciences
  The Silver Award goes to Outreach SC, recognized for its dual-function microbial approach to pest management. This product provides broad-spectrum nematode control, enhancing sustainability and effectiveness in agricultural practices.
  
• Bronze Award: Bellator by IPL Biological Ltd.
  Bellator receives the Bronze Award for its multifunctional fungal and bacterial consortia. This eco-friendly solution offers broad-spectrum efficacy against plant-parasitic nematodes, supporting farmers with sustainable pest control options.
  Product Assisting Biocontrol: PlatyForm Gel by Platypus  This innovative formulation technology and controlled-release platform is revolutionizing the delivery of semiochemicals and natural substances. PlatyForm Gel is a ready-to-use, biobased, and biodegradable delivery system that enables the slow and consistent release of volatile bioactives, such as pheromones and essential oils. This universal delivery platform allows manufacturers to develop targeted solutions against a wide range of pests and pathogens, including insects, molds, bacteria, and even rodents..