The Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM)
sets the pace for the biocontrol trade
What is ABIM?
The Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) is internationally recognised as the unrivalled confluence of the biocontrol industry. This three-day conference takes place in Basel, Switzerland.
ABIM is a joint project of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).
Biocontrol, short for Biological Control, is the management of a pest, typically invasive species, by introducing a natural predator into the environment. Biocontrol reduces the pest population and its impacts on the environment. The key theme at this year’s ABIM was ‘Can agriculture as practised today deliver for the future?’
Who attends ABIM and what is the purpose of the conference?
This year, the ABIM attracted 1 227 delegates from 52 countries, representing 536 companies and organisations from all over the globe.
ABIM recognises new product innovations creating a platform to share new discoveries and their successful commercialisation. The scientific program includes 8 sessions with 35 presentations covering the latest developments in the market, changes to regulatory affairs and innovative new plant protection products.
ABIM 2019 also included an exhibition at the core of the conference. The expo offered 90 global companies excellent visibility and Madumbi’s parent company, Andermatt Biocontrol utilised this opportunity to promote and showcase their extensive product portfolio and global footprint.
ABIM highlights for 2019:
An annual highlight of each ABIM is the announcement of the Bernard Blum Award. This award launched in 2015, recognises new products that meet the following three basic requirements
- Must have a sound scientific basis
- Have a substantial degree of innovation
- Must have a good market opportunity
During 2019, seven nominations were accepted and the winner was announced at the opening ceremony. The 2019 Bernard Blum award went to Tutavir, from Andermatt Biocontrol, Madumbi’s holding company. Tutavir contains Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV) for selective control of Tuta absoluta, the tomato leafminer.
Madumbi at ABIM 2019
Madumbi was represented at ABIM by Madumbi Sustainable Agriculture GM, Michelle Lesur as well as Dr Brendon Neumann and Nadia Grobler, from the Madumbi Business Innovation platform.
Business Innovation is key to ensuring Madumbi remains at the forefront of all biological developments locally and globally. The South African market faces ongoing challenges with regards to a high exchange rate, non-subsidised farming and drought. This necessitates creative thinking and innovation to ensure we continue to offer the best possible solutions to the farmers who are responsible for growing food sustainably and safely.