Copa-Cogeca & IBMA – Joint letter to the EU Commission asking to ensure biocontrol solutions are made available to farmers without unnecessary delays

On 25 April 2024, IBMA and Copa Cogeca wrote to President of the EU Commission Ursula Von der Leyen requesting for the chance to engage in a constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to urgently address these challenges to boost the competition potential of European farmers. Read in full below or download here. Dear President Von […]

IBMA and IFOAM Organics Europe Call for Policies to Promote the Uptake of Biocontrol

IFOAM Organics Europe and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) call for policies to promote the uptake of safe, environmentally friendly and efficient biocontrol solutions of natural origin suitable for organic farming, and for a transition to sustainable agriculture systems. (Brussels, 25 April 2024) The last months’ intense political discussions have shown that at least […]

Biocontrol market now worth over 1.6 billion Euro, but EU policies are a bottleneck to unlocking full potential

The International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) member survey shows that the biocontrol market in Europe is now worth over 1.6 billion Euro representing almost 10% of the European crop protection market. Even though, in Europe, it takes up to 10 years for a new product to be approved and available for use, the biocontrol market […]

Time for Clarity – France Biocontrôle, the Official National Association of IBMA Global in France

IBMA Global and France Biocontrôle are happy to confirm that France Biocontrôle has been designated as the Official National Association of IBMA Global in France. This status will now feature as a tagline in communications by France Biocontrôle. The status of IBMA France as an IBMA Global National Association was terminated in April 2023 following […]

Lengthy Authorisation Processes Threatening Biocontrol Innovations and Farmer Competitiveness

IBMA Calls for Policies that Accelerate the Uptake of Biocontrol Farmers have been slowly reducing the use of chemical pesticides across Europe since 2011 without sufficient access to alternative Plant Protection Products such as biocontrol. This is endangering productivity and generational renewal. Farmers have had enough as we see on the streets of Europe. While […]

The SUR is gone. Biocontrol should be available to farmers now!

Noting the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) was a symbol of polarisation, Ursula von der Leyen proposed to withdraw it on 6 February 2024. The SUR is off the table. IBMA now urges the Commission to work on a new proposal. We already issued a statement on the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. (Brussels, 27 […]

EU Parliament rejects SUR opportunity to provide farmers with biocontrol alternatives to secure food production 

A majority of the European Parliament rejected the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) on November 22, 2023. IBMA regrets the loss of an opportunity that had the potential to accelerate access to innovative nature-based solutions. (Brussels, 23 November 2023) Until now, the SUR was the only piece of EU legislation on the table that would have […]

Spearheading Innovative-Nature-based Solutions to Ensure Food Security: Biocontrol Industry Meeting Attracts More Than 1800 Delegates in Basel

The Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) 2023 welcomed over 1800 participants from 58 countries highlighting the essential role biocontrol plays in providing better solutions for plant protection and securing the future of food and farming. Organised by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL and IBMA (International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association) in Basel, Switzerland, the 18th […]

The future is Biocontrol! One step closer to SUR. Innovations honoured with Bernard Blum Award 

(Brussels/Basel, 24 October 2023) The European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) voted in favour of MEP Sarah Wiener’s report on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation (SUR) with 47 in favour, 37 against and 2 abstentions. This vote is crucial as it is a key step towards achieving […]

Press Release – 5th July 2023

SUR essential to unlock biocontrol for farmers As per the Council request at the end of 2023, the European Commission additional study to the impact assessment on the SUR has just been published. This study recognises “the potential of alternatives, including biocontrol, as a key contribution to achieving pesticide reduction targets”. “The SUR is essential […]