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At the 17th edition of ABIM, co-organized by FiBL and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), representatives of the biocontrol industry met from 24-26 October 2022. This worldwide event for the biocontrol industry took place live in Basel again. More than 1550 participants from 53 nations were able to network together, face to face, as well as listen to inspiring presentations and panel discussions. Business meetings between delegates and our 105 exhibitors took place throughout the event. Both SMEs and large enterprises were well represented. An amazing number of innovations were presented. These are essential tools to facilitate the transformation to a sustainable agriculture.
(Basel, 26.10.2022) As an unrivalled meeting place for the biocontrol industry, ABIM is internationally recognised. It remains the best place to discover and unveil new products, to discuss market opportunities, to present new research and products, to learn about the latest regulatory situation and to liaise with fellow professionals. The high number of delegates at this year’s event shows the increasing importance of this topic. Jennifer Lewis, IBMA Executive Director explains this development: “Biocontrol is essential in the transition of agriculture. These nature-based alternatives to chemical pesticides improve biodiversity, soil quality, crop health and resilience contributing to sustainable food production.”.
Lucius Tamm, managing director of ABIM AG and Head of Department of Crop Sciences at FiBL Switzerland further draws attention to the role of biocontrol when it comes to sustainability: “Agricultural systems and processes must become more sustainable in the future. Biocontrol delivers crucial solutions and can shape this transformation process to sustainable agriculture successfully. This is why this annual meeting for the biocontrol industry is so important – for the industry itself and for the whole of society”.
The programme of ABIM 2022 included presentations from the European Commission on the latest policy positions on the new Sustainable Use Regulation and the relevant changes to the registration requirements of biocontrol. The new policies aim at reducing the dependence on chemical pesticides and facilitate authorization and uptake of non chemical solutions. Innovations and successful IPM programmes from around the world were presented, highlighting especially the dynamic development of biocontrol in Brasil. The crucial role and contribution of the food industry to the transformation of agriculture was discussed by value chain experts. Transformation also needs policy support. Examples of enabling policies from leading countries were shared and discussed. Innovations have always been essential drivers for the biocontrol industry. This is why the Bernard Blum Award is presented annually to the most innovative biocontrol product of the year. Every year since 2015, an independent jury selects among a number of entries a winning biocontrol product which provides an effective solution in the management of pests or diseases while having a low impact on human health and the environment. The winning product of the 2022 Bernard Blum Award for Novel Biocontrol Solutions was Pronemite from Biobest. In 2nd place was Andermatt Biocontrol with Plutex and in 3rd place was Oricontrol Plus by Agrobio. The winner of the new category “Best Innovative product assisting biocontrol uptake” is CBC Europe’s product Shindo Trap. Read more about the products on IBMA Bernard Blum Award 2022 webpage.
FiBL and IBMA contacts
Lucius Tamm, Member of Executive Board and Leader of Department of Crop Sciences, FiBL Switzerland
Phone +41 62 865 72 70, e-mail lucius.tamm@fibl.org
Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director, IBMA Global
Phone +44 7711 115764 , e-mail jennifer.lewis@ibma-global.org
Isabelle Pinzauti Babrzynski, Advocacy and Communication Manager, IBMA Global Phone +32 497695842,
e-mail isabelle.pinzauti@ibma-global.org
Roberta Turoldo, Conference organiser, ABIM AG
Phone +41 62 865 04 41, e-mail conference@abim.ch
Links
This media release and pictures can be accessed online at www.fibl.org/en/info-centre/media.
About ABIM
The Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting ABIM is hosted by ABIM AG, a jointly owned venture of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association IBMA and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FIBL. As an unrivalled meeting place for the biocontrol industry, ABIM is internationally recognised. It remains the best place to discover and unveil new products, to discuss market opportunities, to present new research and products, to learn about the latest regulatory situation and to liaise with fellow professionals. www.abim.ch
About FiBL
The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of organic agriculture. FiBL’s strengths are interdisciplinary research, joint innovations with farmers and the food industry as well as rapid knowledge transfer. The FiBL Group currently includes FiBL Switzerland (founded in 1973), FiBL Germany (2001), FiBL Austria (2004), ÖMKi (Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, 2011), FiBL France (2017) and FiBL Europe (2017), which is jointly supported by the five national institutes. Around 350 employees work at the various locations. www.fibl.org
About IBMA
International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) is the voice of the Biocontrol technologies industry and represents all its members to promote them and bring to the market via proportionate regulation these innovative nature based solutions and effective technologies for sustainable agriculture, allowing the farmers to grow healthy, productive and profitable crops.
Our solutions are inspired by, harnessed or harvested from nature. These biocontrol solutions protect the crops, soil, biodiversity and environment of today and importantly tomorrow via a holistic Biology 1st approach of agriculture while maintaining yields and food security. For more information about IBMA, visit www.ibma-global.org
