A Conversation with Global BioAgTech Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Martin Andermatt, Founder and Chair of the Board, Andermatt Group, was recently presented with the Global BioAgTech Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work in biocontrol. In this exclusive conversation, Roger, the CEO of Global BioAg Linkages, speaks with him about his journey, challenges in the industry and the future of sustainable agriculture.

Roger: Martin, congratulations! How did it feel to receive this recognition, and how has the response been?

Martin Andermatt:
The response has been very nice. I received messages from all over, especially through LinkedIn, where our post was well received. It was great to see the recognition, but most importantly, it reminded me of how far we have come. When I started, the idea of building something in biocontrol was not common—few dared to step into that space. So, receiving this award means a lot because it acknowledges the journey, the risks we took and the impact we made.

Roger: You have had an incredible journey. What advice would you give new entrepreneurs in biocontrol?

Martin:
First, we need to define what we mean by “industry.” If someone is just looking at agriculture as a business or at protection purely from a commercial standpoint, then passion often takes a back seat to profit. But if we define our industry as the biocontrol sector, then passion alone for biocontrol is not enough—you must have a passion for nature.

Biocontrol is fundamentally about protecting nature while making agriculture more sustainable. Food production is essential, but it must be done responsibly, and that is where the real passion comes in. If someone is only passionate about the business of biocontrol, they may struggle to sustain their commitment. What keeps me engaged after all these years is my love for nature itself—that is what drives meaningful contributions to this industry.

Roger: How do you see biostimulants and biocontrol evolving in sustainable farming?

Martin:
They are very different, and their impact depends on geography. In some countries, where the climate is still suitable for agriculture and soils remain healthy, biostimulants play a smaller role. But in places with poor soils or difficult weather conditions, biostimulants become crucial. The success of these products depends entirely on regional conditions. The key for both biostimulants and biocontrol is to develop nature-based solutions that improve yields without resorting to harmful alternatives. The challenge is adapting these solutions locally—what works in one country may not work in another. A thoughtful approach is necessary to ensure sustainable progress.

Roger: What should entrepreneurs focus on when starting out?

Martin:
The biggest challenge is recognizing how difficult the hurdles are. Many entrepreneurs underestimate regulatory barriers. My advice would be to find niches where entry is easier. Beneficial organisms used for pest control, for example, often do not require registration, making them an excellent starting point. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to avoid highly saturated markets and instead focus on areas where competition is not overwhelming and where registration requirements are not prohibitive.

When I started nearly 40 years ago, regulations were reasonable—they were proportional to risk. Today, however, the system has made it extremely difficult for newcomers to enter. Anyone looking to start a business in this space must carefully analyze regulatory challenges before committing resources.

Roger: What should investors consider before funding companies in biocontrol?

Martin:
Investors face similar challenges as startups. Even with more funding, they must be realistic about regulatory obstacles and market limitations. The biggest mistake would be to overestimate market size while underestimating the difficulty of bringing a product to market. There are great biocontrol solutions in research, but if the cost of development and registration outweighs market potential, then the investment is not viable.

Unfortunately, we have situations where nature provides excellent solutions, but regulatory barriers prevent them from reaching farmers. Investors need to manage expectations, not just in terms of return on investment but also the timeframe required for commercialization.

Roger: Martin, thank you! We look forward to seeing you next year in Valencia with the Andermatt Group.