Ümit Ersöz is a seasoned agribusiness professional with over 35 years of experience spanning R&D, regulatory affairs, product stewardship, advisory and business development in the Turkish and broader MENA agricultural sectors. Ümit is the BU lead for BAW Academy and is the business development partner at Global BioAg Linkages, where he oversees regional strategy, partnerships and training delivery across Türkiye and the Middle East. Ümit is the COO of Global BioAg Innovations, leading efforts in product development, market expansion and stakeholder management. Ümit brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and practical experience to the rapidly evolving BioAg sector, making him a trusted voice in advancing sustainable agriculture solutions in emerging markets.

Q1: What impact do you see BAW Academy and its courses making on industry professionals, especially those in their early years?

The BioAg World Academy is transforming the BioAg segment and agriculture industry in general, especially for new techno commercial professionals. It provides a foundational understanding of this rapidly evolving field, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world needs. Our courses offer practical, industry specific knowledge from experienced knowledge partners. This equips early career and seasoned professionals with immediately applicable tools and insights into the latest innovations and market trends, offering them a competitive edge. It is a must to have tool for our colleagues transitioning from conventional agriculture.

Beyond learning, the Academy builds a strong community of professionals connecting them with peers and leaders, creating valuable networks for career growth and mentorship. The industry recognized certifications also boost their expertise and open doors to exciting job opportunities. Additionally, it meets the unseen need for refreshing our knowledge from time to time.

Q2: You recently conducted the Türkiye, Middle East and North Africa Regulatory course. What can industry and learners expect from this course?

The Türkiye, Middle East and North Africa Regulatory course we conducted in May is a prime example of the Academy’s commitment to addressing specific regional needs. This region presents unique challenges and opportunities for the BioAg sector, particularly regulatory frameworks, market dynamics and cultural agricultural practices.

Participants in this course gained an in-depth understanding of the intricate regulatory landscape across Türkiye, the Middle East and North Africa. The course included detailed insights into:

• Regional Regulations: A comprehensive overview of current and emerging regulations for biopesticides, biostimulants, biofertilizers and other biological inputs in key countries within the region.
• Registration Processes: Practical guidance on navigating the complex registration and approval processes, including documentation requirements, testing protocols and timelines.
• Local Market Nuances: Understanding the specific market entry strategies, distribution channels and cultural considerations that influence the adoption of BioAg products in these diverse markets.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Identification of common regulatory hurdles, as well as emerging opportunities for market expansion and collaboration.
• Expert Insights: Direct engagement with regional regulatory experts, industry leaders and policymakers who provide invaluable real-world perspectives and case studies.

This course is essential for anyone looking to enter or expand their BioAg operations in the Türkiye and MENA region, providing the critical knowledge to ensure compliance, mitigate risks and successfully penetrate these promising markets.

Q3: What is coming next for the BAW Academy—are there any new focus areas or regions you are looking to explore?

The BioAg World Academy is constantly evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the global BioAg industry. Looking ahead, we have several exciting new focus areas and regions we are eager to explore beyond regulatory. It is also noteworthy that we bring advanced and refreshed versions of previous courses. This is to ensure that BAW Academy provides you with the latest developments.

• Advanced Technologies in BioAg: We plan to delve deeper into emerging technologies such as precision agriculture integrated with biologicals, AI and data analytics for BioAg applications, and novel formulation technologies. The goal is to prepare professionals for the next wave of innovation in the sector.
• Sustainability and Regenerative Agriculture: Given the increasing emphasis on climate-smart agriculture and regenerative practices, we will be expanding our curriculum to cover these critical areas, focusing on how BioAg inputs contribute to resilient food systems and environmental stewardship.
• Targeted Regional Expansion: While the MENA course is a significant step, we are actively looking at other high-growth regions with unique regulatory and market landscapes. Asia, particularly Southeast Asia and India, presents great potential, and we are exploring dedicated courses that will address their specific needs. Also, we see opportunities in LATAM and certain parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Specialized Product Categories: As the BioAg market matures, there is a growing need for specialization. We plan to introduce more focused courses on specific product categories like advanced microbial solutions, pheromones and highly specialized plant extracts, exploring their applications, regulatory pathways and market development.
• Hybrid Learning Models and Partnerships: We are continuously working towards refining our delivery methods, and exploring more hybrid learning models that combine online flexibility with in-person workshops and networking events. We also aim to forge more strategic partnerships with local agricultural universities, research institutions and industry associations to broaden our reach.

We all know that the knowledge gap and awareness is the most critical barrier for the development of sustainable farming practices. Hence, my goal for the BAW Academy is simple: to empower the BioAg community. I believe that by providing the right knowledge, connections and practical skills, BioAg World Academy can drive incredible innovation and sustainable growth across farming worldwide.

The BioAg World Academy, through its comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, is not just educating professionals. It is actively shaping the future of sustainable agriculture, fostering a knowledgeable and interconnected global BioAg community. In closing, I want to appeal to my readers of this interview to reach out to us if they have suggestions to improve the BAW Academy, or want us to add new courses. After all, BAW Academy is by the industry, for the industry.