Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice

31 October 2024. Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice.

APAARI launched the Asia-Pacific Biopesticide Community of Practice (ABCoP) in May 2024 which serves as a dynamic platform that brings together key players from the biopesticide sector—spanning industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The primary objective of ABCoP is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, foster collaboration, and advance biopesticide promotion and trade opportunities across the region.

Born out of the successful STDF project titled ‘Asia Pesticide Residue Mitigation Through the Promotion of Biopesticides and Enhancement of Trade Opportunities’, which was facilitated and implemented by APAARI in partnership with AgAligned Global, USA from 2020 to 2023, ABCoP builds on the significant milestones achieved during this period. The project laid the groundwork for developing best practices and protocols for biopesticide research and use. It also addressed key challenges related to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) posed by the use of chemical pesticides and how field application of biopesticides can help avoid residues and, hence, facilitate safe trade. By working closely with both government agencies and the private sector, the project enhanced technical and functional capacities in MRL data generation, biopesticide production, and regulatory harmonization across participating countries.

• Dr. Richard Roush, Immediate Past Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences Pennsylvania State University
• Dr. Mukhdoom Mashhood, Head Secretariat, Regenerative Production Landscape Collaboratives, WWF Pakistan - Topic: Bridging Research, Governance, and Commercials for Sustainability in Bio-inputs
• Prof. Bina Siddiqui, Distinguished National Professor, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan - Topic: Neem Based Biopesticide for control of locusts.
  
  biopesticide BIOSAL is registered by the Plant Protection Department, Government of Pakistan.
  
  
• Mr. Fritz SCHUSTER, Co-Founder & Managing Director & Mr. Pablo CID, Project Manager, Lexagri SAS, France - Topic: “Solution Finder” and how it can help to develop bio-control solutions
• Moderation: Ms. Samitha Manohar & Ms. Darshika Senadheera, APAARI, Bangkok

Related:

21 - 23 October 2024. 19th Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting (ABIM) 2024 held in Basel, Switzerland.

Organized by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA), ABIM 2024 saw more than 2,000 delegates and 157 exhibitors from 67 countries showcase nature-based solutions and services for more environmentally friendly grown food.

Pakistan’s new biopesticides registration guidance to tackle a range of crop pests and diseases has been highlighted 

Scientists from CABI’s Swiss Centre in Delémont facilitated and organized the representation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) to show how Pakistan is moving towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

24 October 2024. CABI/PlantwisePlus organized a webinar the day after ABIM entitled ‘Paving the way for lower risk crop protection: regulatory pathways for the registration of biopesticides.’

• Experts from regulatory bodies and inter-governmental organizations discussed strategies for creating a regulatory environment that enables innovation while ensuring safety and efficacy.
• Participants included Dr Sabyan Honey, Dr Saliou Niassy, Coordinator of the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council (AU-IAPSC), Dr Muhammad Tariq Khan, Director General of Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection, Dr Melanie Bateman, and Dr Robert Malek.