Global Workshop on biological control agents and biostimulants
24/09/2024
In response to the increasing demands of a growing global population, farmers are actively exploring innovative methods to boost crop yields, enhance soil health, and ensure sustainable practices. Biological control agents and biostimulants are emerging as vital tools in this endeavor, playing a crucial role in modern agricultural strategies.
At the request of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a global open-ended workshop on biological control agents and biostimulants was held on 23 to 24 September 2024 in Rome at FAO Headquarters.
The workshop was held in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI International) and the International Organization for Biological Control and supported by the European Union through the programme, Building capacity related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
The meeting was opened by Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of Cabinet at FAO. According to Magwenzi, “the use of biological control agents is a testament to the power of working with nature rather than against it. By harnessing the capabilities of these organisms, we can maintain the health of our crops and promote biodiversity within agricultural landscapes. This not only supports the vitality of our crops but also contributes to the overall resilience of farming systems.” David Cooper, Deputy Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, stressed the need for identifying and upscaling biodiversity-friendly production systems and methods of pest control that contribute to food security and for controlling invasive alien species without exacting a toll on nature and human health. He emphasized that scaling up the adoption of successful biocontrol practices can significantly advance global efforts to meet several goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This includes Target 6, focused on controlling invasive alien species, Target 7, aimed at reducing pesticide pollution, and Target 10, which seeks to ensure agriculture remains both productive and sustainable.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the potential of BCAs and biostimulants. With regulators from Europe, Africa, USA and Latin America present, the workshop also considered the regulatory frameworks relevant to biocontrol agents and biostimulants, including rules on access and benefit-sharing. Speakers identified regulatory gaps as well as unnecessary restrictions.
The outcomes and contributions of this two-day workshop will be considered by the first session of the Commission’s Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Microorganism and Invertebrate Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (25-27 September 2024).
For more information click here
At the request of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a global open-ended workshop on biological control agents and biostimulants was held on 23 to 24 September 2024 in Rome at FAO Headquarters.
The workshop was held in collaboration with the Convention on Biological Diversity, Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI International) and the International Organization for Biological Control and supported by the European Union through the programme, Building capacity related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
The meeting was opened by Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of Cabinet at FAO. According to Magwenzi, “the use of biological control agents is a testament to the power of working with nature rather than against it. By harnessing the capabilities of these organisms, we can maintain the health of our crops and promote biodiversity within agricultural landscapes. This not only supports the vitality of our crops but also contributes to the overall resilience of farming systems.” David Cooper, Deputy Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, stressed the need for identifying and upscaling biodiversity-friendly production systems and methods of pest control that contribute to food security and for controlling invasive alien species without exacting a toll on nature and human health. He emphasized that scaling up the adoption of successful biocontrol practices can significantly advance global efforts to meet several goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This includes Target 6, focused on controlling invasive alien species, Target 7, aimed at reducing pesticide pollution, and Target 10, which seeks to ensure agriculture remains both productive and sustainable.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the potential of BCAs and biostimulants. With regulators from Europe, Africa, USA and Latin America present, the workshop also considered the regulatory frameworks relevant to biocontrol agents and biostimulants, including rules on access and benefit-sharing. Speakers identified regulatory gaps as well as unnecessary restrictions.
The outcomes and contributions of this two-day workshop will be considered by the first session of the Commission’s Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Microorganism and Invertebrate Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (25-27 September 2024).
For more information click here