Join us at ABIM to celebrate our anniversary

Join us at ABIM 2025 to celebrate 30 years of IBMA, 20 years of ABIM and 10 years of Bernard Blum Award.

How it all began  

In 1995, Bernard Blum brought together the leaders of pioneering companies to explore the formation of a biocontrol association. These visionary leaders foresaw the emergence of a vital and growing industry in plant protection. At the time, biocontrol was evolving rapidly, but the sector faced significant challenges. Some companies struggled to navigate the early stages, and regulatory hurdles, particularly product registration, posed a major obstacle to bringing innovations to market. The need for an organized industry voice and structured dialogue with regulatory authorities became clear. Beyond regulation, it was also crucial to promote biocontrol widely and engage with diverse stakeholders.  

The first meeting took place in early 1995, followed by a second on September 14 in France, where the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (originally abbreviated as BIO International) was officially established. With its headquarters in France, the association began with around 15 member companies.  IBMA held its first General Assembly Meeting (AGM) on November 23, 1995, with representatives from 13 companies in attendance, while seven others sent their apologies.  

During this meeting, the foundation of IBMA’s structure was decided upon: four Professional Groups were formed, the same ones, we have today—alongside three Working Parties focusing on Regulatory Affairs, Standards and Safety, and Promotion. These groups played a critical role in shaping IBMA’s direction, with their leaders forming the Executive Committee alongside the President and Treasurer.  

The need to share experiences, knowledge and know-how was great. So, in 2005, the first Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting was held in Luzerne. It proved so popular that IBMA and FiBL formed ABIM AG and moved the event to Basel. This year, ABIM is celebrating its 20^th anniversary and we will be hosting a party to mark all anniversaries. Find out how to become an anniversary sponsor (page11).

As part of its efforts to influence policymaking, IBMA took part in its first EU-funded project, “Rebeca” (2006–2007), which explored how European policy could better support the regulation of biocontrol agents. 

From its inception, IBMA operated through the dedication of enthusiastic volunteers from member companies, all united by their optimism for the future of biocontrol.  

In 2005 Regulatory Affairs consultant Ulf Heilig started to work with IBMA and in 2010, David Cary was hired as the first Executive Director. In 2013, IBMA set up an office in the European Quarter in Brussels and, with time, more staff were hired. 

The vision and determination of IBMA’s founders laid the groundwork for what has become a thriving and essential industry worth over 1.6 billion Euros. We extend our deepest gratitude to these visionaries for their foresight, dedication, and unwavering efforts to shape the future of biocontrol.  

Jennifer Lewis, IBMA Executive Director

Fast forward to 2025  

IBMA has over 200 members and 10 National Groups. The four Professional Groups meet regularly to share experiences dealing with regulatory issues, discuss solutions to industry challenges and build a diverse network of experts and have also contributed to the publication of two Data Decision Trees.  

The Advocacy Working Group meets to shape policy asks and the Advisory Regulatory Working Group approved a position paper on a new regulatory framework for biocontrol 

All of this and more happens with the support of the secretariat, led by Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director, since 2019.  

ABIM has firmly established itself as the premier biocontrol event worldwide with over 2,000 visitors last year and more expected this year. This year we will be hosting an anniversary party- learn more about how to become a sponsor (page11). ABIM will also set the stage for the 10^th edition of the Bernard Blum Award.  

The first professional biopesticide was released in France in 1938. Now, the European market is worth 1.6 billion Euros and the European Union has finally committed to accelerating biocontrol with a proposal expected in Q4 of 2025.   

If you would like the chance to feature in the anniversary communications, please fill in this form.