Workshops

1. Formulation and Application

Formulation technology has evolved significantly since the early days of biocontrol, enhancing efficacy and optimizing how biocontrol works. This workshop will delve into the role of formulation and application technologies in advancing biocontrol. Given the mode of action of biocontrol, correct application of the material is imperative to success. New technologies play a crucial role here. Submit your proposal showcasing advancements in formulation and application. 

Chair: Pierre Ferrand
Speakers:
- Asefeh Golreihan, Nanotechnology‑Enabled Biocontrol: Formulation Breakthroughs and Regulatory Complexities
- Coralie Misson, Sustainable formulation design: polymer-free ingredients boosting biocontrol impact
- Isabella Takahashi Kitano, Smart Integration of Liquid Carriers in Biopesticides
- Poliana Cardoso-Gustavson, Formulating Crop Protection Products for Drone Application: Challenges and Opportunities
- Renaud Perrin, All-in-one OD solution for biologicals
- Yonatan Eran, BugFlow™, Enhancing Biocontrol through Uniform and Efficient Application of Beneficial Mites

2. Peptide Regulation

IBMA is actively engaged in promoting innovative biocontrol solutions, including peptide and protein-based products. The first of these products have already been submitted or authorised in various regions, such as the United States and the European Union, demonstrating their potential in sustainable crop protection. To support the broader registration and uptake of peptide technologies as plant protection products, it is essential to increase understanding of their properties, identify key regulatory considerations, and harmonise approaches across jurisdictions. Building on previous discussions at the OECD and EU levels, IBMA is developing a set of considerations to support the risk assessment of peptide and protein-based biocontrol solutions for sharing with stakeholders and regulatory authorities —aiming to ensure a science-based, proportionate, and consistent regulatory pathway.

This ABIM workshop is open to IBMA and non IBMA members and will actively contribute to shaping the proposal.

Chair: Jeremy Belzunces
Co-Chair: Emmanuelle Bonneris
Panellists:
- Domenico Deserio
- Anne Kortstee
- Kevin Leiner
- Paula Pinto
- Jane Richardson

3. Biocontrol Meets Finance

Working with the UNEP FARM project of which IBMA and BPG are a part, this workshop, will bring together bankers and industry experts to inspire entrepreneurs on how to get funding for their innovative biocontrol projects. The banking experts will explain their needs for smooth funding in biocontrol. This workshop will aim at connecting financial actors and biocontrol industry experts. The event is co-hosted with the FARM Programme, funded by GEF and led by UNEP. The workshop will focus on understanding the financial landscape and banking sector expectations relevant to the industry, and will facilitate dialogue between financial institutions and biocontrol stakeholders. A panel discussion with key experts will be followed by an interactive Q&A session to encourage open exchange and collaboration.

Chair: Herman Van Mellaert
Panellists:
- Pam Marrone
- Ketan Mehta
- Varvara Shershneva
- Rajendra Thapar
- Mark Trimmer
- Benjamin Warr

1. Regulatory Seminar

2. RATION I

3. RATION II

In 2022, RATION (Risk Assessment Innovation for Low-Risk Pesticides) embarked on a four-year plan to tackle a major EU challenge- the regulatory barriers that limit the full potential and market reach of Low-Risk Pesticides (LRPs). ​

The project is carried out in 7 work packages and aims to develop a novel, concrete and research-based risk assessment scheme, supported by the necessary guidance on methods and tools, tailored to the specific characteristics of established and emerging LRP solution.​

As RATION approaches the half-way mark, we are offering ABIM attendees the chance to learn more at two interactive workshops on 22 October 2024:​

13.30 – 15.00 RATION workshop I ​

Ration overview and snapshot of a new assessment scheme in Europe​

Risk assessment for microbial pesticides and microbiome solutions​

15.30 – 17.00 RATION workshop II​

Risk Assessment for plant extracts, semiochemicals, and pheromones​

Risk assessment for dsRNA pesticides