At the 16th edition of ABIM, coorganized by FiBL and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), representatives of the biocontrol industry met from 19-20 October 2021. This worldwide event for the biocontrol industry took place live in Basel again. More than 970 participants from 44 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 71 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. 

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 a nature based alternative to chemical pesticides that improves biodiversity, soil quality, crop health and climate resilience in sustainable food production. Therefore, it is an important and essential instrument for our society when facing current and future challenges in the fields of agriculture and nutrition. It’s great to see that this fact is now recognised”. 

Lucius Tamm, Director for Cooperation and Head of Department of Crop Sciences at FiBL 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 2021 included a highly attractive journalist-led panel discussion involving biocontrol industry leaders, food processors, NGOs and researchers on how biocontrol will help transform agriculture. COPA President for European Farmers, Christiane Lambert, addressed The role of biocontrol in the transformation of agriculture in her keynote speech. COLEACP underlined the role of biocontrol in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific countries. “There is huge interest from farmers worldwide in bringing these new innovative products to market quickly” said Lucius Tamm. The discussion has been broadcast and will be available for download by 1st November on www.abim.ch. 

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 2021 Bernard Blum Award for Novel Biocontrol Solutions was BioPersi+ Classic/Speed Sachet from BioBee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. In 2nd place was Certis Europe with Problad and in 3rd place was Bee Vectoring Technology with their product Vectorite with CR-7 + Vectorhive. The winner of the new category “Best Innovative product assisting biocontrol uptake” is Bioline Agrosciences’ product T-Booster. Read more about the products on IBMA Bernard Blum Award 2021 webpage.

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.

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 280 employees work at the various locations. 

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.