Square de Meeûs 35, 1000 Bruxelles
During more than one hour, the 60 enthusiastic participants took part in an intensive brainstorming, addressing 2 questions to build the IBMA Biocontrol Ecosystem. The first question was about the needs & topics for the biocontrol ecosystem and the second question concerned the resources and actions required to answer these needs. The brains worked hard : more than 100 ideas/post its were covered with ideas, much intense discussion took place between participants and a lot of clear take away’s emerged, for now and the future! This workshop was led by Bruna Pietracci, who gave the tempo and the communicative energy to the whole room. The discussion can be summarized in 6 main themes.
1. A Clear Need: Regulatory Harmonization and Predictable Market Access
Fragmented regulation remains one of the biggest barriers to innovation and uptake of biocontrol solutions. The brainstorming strongly highlighted the need for harmonisation at EU and global level, moving towards one evaluation, one step, one evaluating body wherever possible.
Participants called for shorter, more predictable timelines to market with clear Mode of Action (MOA) classification and shared and realistic risk assessment approaches. A global alignment via OECD and other international platforms would be ideal.
Better harmonization is not only about efficiency — it directly impacts investment, innovation, and farmers’ access to new solutions. Shorter timelines mean higher Net Present Value (NPV) for innovators and faster access to sustainable tools for farmers. .
2. Governance, Politics and Trust
Regulation does not exist in isolation. A recurring message was the need for greater openness, transparency, and dialogue between authorities, policymakers, industry, and society. Constructive involvement of NGOs to explain both the benefits and side‑effects of PPPs in a balanced way. The importance of a stakeholder platform was emphasized.
Trust — from citizens, farmers and decision‑makers — is built through openness, credible science, and consistent communication.
3. Farmers at the Center: Adoption, Value and Risk Management
Farmers’ uptake and acceptance emerged as a decisive success factor. The discussions made it clear that farmers do not buy products, they buy solutions. To build adoption, the focus must be on understanding real farmer needs and demonstrating value beyond price: ROI, resilience, soil health, long‑term sustainability.
Shorter regulatory timelines were also highlighted as indirectly benefiting farmers by improving access to innovation and ensuring farm sustainability for future generations.
4. Performance, Evidence and System Thinking
Scientific credibility remains fundamental. Participants stressed the importance of clear efficacy KPIs and performance standards. The need for harmonized trial guidelines and robust data analysis were also mentioned. The set up of demonstration platforms closer to real farm conditions is crucial, illustrating also the move from single active ingredients to systems and ecosystem‑based approaches. Showing results — transparently and independently — is key to building confidence across the value chain.
5. Training, Knowledge and Capacity Building Across the Chain
A strong consensus emerged around training as a critical enabler :
- Training farmers, distributors/retailers and advisors to build trust and correct use
- Dedicated training programs for authorities evaluating biocontrol dossiers
Knowledge sharing must move faster and be more structured — from success stories in the field to scalable systems.
6. Communication, Market Strategy and Society
Finally, communication was recognized as a strategic lever, especially for myth‑busting for policymakers and growers. Societal support for biocontrol is achievable — but it must be actively built.
The role of IBMA was often mentioned to be a Catalyst, Connector and Collective Voice of the Biocontrol Ecosystem. In short, IBMA is uniquely positioned to connect innovation, regulation, adoption and trust.
Moving Forward Together
This brainstorming confirmed that the challenges facing biocontrol are complex — but also that solutions are within reach if we act collectively. Alignment, evidence, training, and clear value creation will be the cornerstones for scaling biocontrol successfully.
The output will be reviewed by the IBMA Board and Council and incorporated into strategy discussions to agree priority actions agreed and budget for 2027 and beyond.
