Key Takeaways
- FAO and IBMA sign a Letter of Intent to accelerate the adoption of biological control in agriculture worldwide.
- The partnership supports sustainable crop production, biodiversity, and climate change resilience.
- Key objectives include identifying barriers to biocontrol adoption, enhancing capacities, and promoting its global use.
- The collaboration aligns with the goals of transitioning to sustainable agri-food systems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of IBMA, highlights the potential benefits for farmers, IBMA members, and the broader agricultural community.
Partnership Overview
In November 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on mainstreaming biological control in global agriculture. This partnership represents a significant step toward sustainable agri-food systems and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of Biocontrol
Biological control, or biocontrol, is vital for transitioning to a greener and more resilient agricultural system. It provides farmers with effective, sustainable tools to:
- Enhance crop production and diversification, improving nutrition, livelihoods, and incomes.
- Promote biodiversity and support ecosystem services.
- Adapt to and build resilience against climate change.
The collaboration between FAO and IBMA reflects a shared commitment to advancing these objectives through sustainable crop protection practices.
Objectives of the Partnership
Through this partnership, FAO and IBMA aim to:
- Exchange knowledge: Share information and ideas on sustainable crop protection methods.
- Identify barriers: Address gaps in regulatory frameworks, research, production, and field use of biocontrol solutions.
- Enhance capacities: Pilot solutions to facilitate broader adoption of biocontrol in agriculture.
- Promote biocontrol globally: Advocate for the use of biological control as a sustainable tool in crop protection.
Leadership Perspective
Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of IBMA, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “This is a milestone moment for IBMA. It aligns with our aim to ensure farmers have access to innovative biocontrol solutions enabling them to grow productive, profitable crops needed for a food-secure future. We also look forward to the opportunities it will bring our members and the broader agricultural community.”
