Karel J.F. Bolckmans is a leading expert in biological control with over 30 years of experience in sustainable agriculture. He has held key roles at Biobest, Koppert Biological Systems and BioFirst Group, where he currently serves as chief strategy & transformation officer. As president of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), Bolckmans advocates for the advancement of biocontrol solutions globally. His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the ANBP Award of Excellence and honorary membership in the IOBC.

Through leadership in industry associations and innovative work in biologicals, Bolckmans continues to drive global efforts toward safer, more sustainable agricultural practices.

Q1: As President of IBMA, what is your vision for the organization, and what key initiatives do you intend to prioritize to strengthen IBMA’s role in the biocontrol industry?
My vision for IBMA is to position biocontrol as a mainstream, indispensable solution for sustainable agriculture. The industry has grown tremendously, but regulatory hurdles continue to slow down progress, especially in Europe. My primary focus is on accelerating regulatory approvals in the EU, where it still takes seven to ten years to register a biocontrol product—a stark contrast to Brazil, where the process takes just one and a half years.

In the short term, we advocate for provisional authorization, no time limit to the registration, simplified label extension process and for improved implementation of mutual recognition among EU member states to streamline the approval process and eliminate redundant country-specific evaluations. In the long term, IBMA is pushing for a dedicated European regulatory framework for biologicals with a centralised regulatory authority, that reviews active substance and the associated product(s) in a one step evaluation which considers Europe as one zone. The current system was designed for synthetic chemicals and is ill-suited for biological solutions.

Beyond regulation, farmer and policymaker education is crucial. Many farmers and policy makers still misunderstand the effectiveness of biocontrol products. IBMA is committed to bridging this knowledge gap so that biologicals become the default, not the exception, in global agriculture.

Q2: The EU regulatory landscape for biocontrol is evolving. What strategies do you have in place to address challenges in regulatory approvals and market access for biological solutions?
The biggest bottleneck for the biocontrol industry in the EU is the slow and complex regulatory approval process. While the European Commission promotes sustainability, the reality is that new biological solutions are still stuck in an outdated regulatory framework and evaluation process.

IBMA is actively working on three key strategies:

1. Improving execution within the current system – We are advocating for increased resources and specialised biocontrol expertise for regulatory bodies and for prioritization of biocontrol registrations. Improvements in the way mutual recognition is delivered by member states is also requested.
2. Targeted regulatory amendments to EU Regulation (No) 1107/2009 in the short term – This includes (i) introducing provisional authorizations to allow safe products to enter the market faster, (ii) having no automatic re-registration process for biocontrol but instead having no time limit for biocontrol registration unless there is a scientific reason to evaluate and (iii) streamlining the process of extending registrations to additional crops.
3. A new regulatory framework for biocontrol – In the long term. IBMA is pushing for a separate regulatory system for biologicals, like Brazil. However, neither the biocontrol industry and in particular nor the farmers can wait another decade for reforms, meaning the regulatory amendments are needed right now.

At IBMA, we are working closely with policymakers to ensure that biocontrol solutions reach farmers faster and support the transition to sustainable agriculture.

Q3: You highlighted that many policymakers and farmers still misunderstand biocontrol. What are the biggest misconceptions, and how can the industry address them?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that biocontrol products are less effective than chemical pesticides. This simply is not true—many biologicals provide comparable efficacy while offering long-term sustainability benefits. Biocontrol technologies are evolving very rapidly now with many start-ups developing novel technologies.

Another major challenge is the perception that biocontrol is complicated or expensive. Biologicals do not need to be more expensive than synthetics. Many farmers hesitate to adopt biologicals because they lack training on how to use them effectively. Unlike conventional chemicals, biocontrol requires a different approach, such as early application and integration with other sustainable practices within a holistic IPM approach.

To change this, IBMA is working to educate both farmers and policymakers. We need to showcase real-world success stories and provide clear guidance on how biocontrol can enhance productivity and profitability. When people understand the science behind biologicals, they recognize their potential not just as an alternative but as a superior, long-term solution for agriculture.

Q4: How is digital technology influencing the future of biocontrol, and what innovations excite you the most?
Digital technology is revolutionizing biocontrol in ways we could not have imagined a decade ago. AI-powered pest monitoring, decision support systems, drone applications, high-precision spraying techniques and real-time soil analysis are making it easier for farmers to adopt and optimize biological solutions.

One of the most exciting innovations is AI-driven pest detection, which enables farmers to apply biocontrol agents at the exact right moment, maximizing their impact. Drones are also playing a game-changing role by allowing for precise application of beneficial insects and microbial solutions, making biocontrol more scalable and cost-effective.

Additionally, advancements in biological seed treatments are helping to protect crops from pests and diseases from the moment they germinate. These technologies, combined with regenerative agriculture practices, are shaping the future of sustainable farming.

I firmly believe that biocontrol, digital agriculture, and sustainability must work together to create farming systems that are both productive and environmentally responsible. The synergy between these innovations will define the next generation of agriculture.

Q5: What were the key messages you conveyed at the BioAgTech World Congress 2025, and how did the experience reinforce or reshape your perspective on the future of biocontrol?
It was exciting to engage with industry leaders at the BioAgTech World Congress 2025 in India, which provided a critical platform for shaping the future of biocontrol. My message to IBMA members and global stakeholders was clear: collaboration, innovation and regulatory progress must go hand in hand if we are to transform global agriculture.

At the Congress, I emphasized the urgent need for regulatory reforms to ensure biological solutions reach farmers faster. The demand for sustainable agriculture was growing, yet outdated regulations continued to slow down innovation. We need to work together to advocate for science-driven policies that support rapid biocontrol adoption.

I also highlighted the role of technology and education in accelerating this shift. Farmer training, digital tools and global knowledge-sharing were essential in making biologicals the mainstream choice for agriculture. The BioAgTech World Congress offered an opportunity to turn these discussions into action, and I was proud to be part of that movement.

Q6: In your view, what impact did the BioAgTech World Congress 2025 have on the biocontrol and biostimulant sectors, and what makes gatherings like this essential for industry progress?
Events like the BioAgTech World Congress were essential for driving progress in the biocontrol and biostimulant sectors. They created a platform where industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and farmers could collaborate, share knowledge and push for regulatory advancements. Other events, such as the Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting—of which IBMA is a joint shareholder and which celebrated its 20th year in 2025—offered similar opportunities for the industry to unite and advance biocontrol.

One of the greatest benefits of these gatherings was their ability to bridge the gap between science, regulation and market adoption. The discussions held at the BAW Congress often influenced policy changes and industry standards, directly impacting how quickly biological solutions reached farmers.

Additionally, the Congress served as a launchpad for new innovations. The latest advancements in microbial biopesticides, AI-driven pest monitoring and regenerative agriculture practices were showcased there, helping accelerate industry-wide adoption.

For me, global cooperation remained the key to making biocontrol the future of farming. Events like the BAW Congress helped unify the industry’s voice, build momentum for change, and ensure that biocontrol solutions became a mainstream reality worldwide.