In 1995, a group of pioneers came together around a shared belief: agriculture needed a shift—toward sustainability, innovation and biological solutions. Among them was Bernard Blum, whose vision helped spark the creation of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA). What began with 15 member companies and a strong sense of purpose has grown into a global association at the forefront of nature-based crop protection.

As IBMA marks 30 years in 2025, it also celebrates 20 years of the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) and 10 years of the Bernard Blum Award—three major milestones that reflect the evolution of biocontrol from niche to necessity. These anniversaries will be celebrated at ABIM 2025, a gathering that has become the heart of the biocontrol community. Held each year in Basel, ABIM welcomes more than 2,000 participants from across the world to exchange knowledge, showcase innovation and shape the future of sustainable farming.

Early members quickly and deliberately formalized the association’s structure, thoughtfully setting up Professional Groups and Working Parties to focus on science, regulation, and advocacy. They clearly understood that biocontrol would need not just innovation, but strong representation—and IBMA became that authoritative voice. By 2005, the association proudly launched ABIM to create a dedicated space where the industry could meet, grow, and actively influence global dialogue.

Over the years, IBMA has actively shaped policy and regulation. It joined its first EU-funded initiative, the Rebeca project, in the mid-2000s and established a permanent office in Brussels in 2013 to better engage with European institutions. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Jennifer Lewis, IBMA continues to influence key regulatory developments. With the European Commission expected to propose a new biocontrol-specific framework in late 2025, IBMA is playing a central role in helping define what that future looks like.

From just a handful of companies, the association now represents over 200 members across 10 national groups, and the biocontrol market in Europe alone has grown to a value of more than EUR 1.6 billion. IBMA’s Professional Groups and Working Groups remain critical in shaping technical guidance, providing regulatory tools and supporting members in navigating complex approval processes. Meanwhile, the Bernard Blum Award has become a symbol of excellence in innovation, honouring products that reflect the spirit of IBMA’s founding ideals.

Yet behind the achievements lies something deeper: a sense of shared purpose. Founders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and advocates have worked not only to grow an industry, but to change agriculture for the better. Jennifer Lewis captured this when she said, “The vision and determination of IBMA’s founders laid the groundwork for what has become a thriving and essential industry.”

As IBMA steps into its fourth decade, it continues to bring people together—to advance sustainable farming, influence policy, and ensure that biocontrol is not just an alternative, but a cornerstone of agricultural systems worldwide.