The Biopesticide Industry Alliance is proud to host the:

1st BIOCONTROL INDUSTRY
SYMPOSIUM and WORKSHOP
of the
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF BIOCONTROL / BIOPESTICIDE ASSOCIATIONS 

March 2nd & 3rd, 2015 

Fresno Hotel & Conference Center
2233 Ventura Street - Fresno, CA 93721
Fresnoconferencehotel.com 

& 

Fresno Convention Center
700 M St
Fresno, CA 93721 
fresnoconventioncenter.com 

Members of these Biocontrol/Biopesticide Associations are invited to participate:

Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Controle Biológico (ABCBio)

Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP)

Biopesticide Industry Alliance (BPIA)

International Biocontrol Manufacturers' Association (IBMA)

South African Bioproducts Organisation (SABO)

AGENDA:
Check here occasionally for an updated agenda (subject to modifications)

Sunday March 1st:

Early Arrivals

 Monday, March 2nd:

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Registration

10:00 AM- 12:00 noon
Association Board Meetings (ANBP, BPIA, IBMA)

12:00 - 1:30 PM
Joint Board Luncheon (ANBP, BPIA, IBMA boards) 

1:30- 4:30 PM
BPIA Committee Meetings (as scheduled by chairman)

4:30 - 5:30 PM
BPIA Membership Business Meeting (All BPIA Members)

6:00 - 8:00 PM
Biocontrol Industry Reception (All are Invited)

MINI TRADE SHOW NOTE: Because we are preceding the Biocontrols 2015 Conference and Trade Show we will not be formally hosting a mini trade show at our opening reception as we have in the past.  We will plan to resume mini trade shows at out fall 2015 meeting.

Tuesday, March 3rd:

 BioControl Industry Symposium

 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Registration

8:00 – 8:30 AM 
Common Objectives of the International Federation of Biocontrol / Biopesticide Associations

This first ever international symposium begins with an exploration of the three common objectives of the Federation agreed upon Board members of BPIA, IBMA, ANBP, and SABO at last year's ABIM Conference: Unified messaging with IGOs and NGOs as well as global harmonization activities.
Presenter: Rick Melnick, Chairman, BPIA

8:30 – 9:10 AM
Harmonization: The Global Organic Industry

Work toward global harmonization of organic standards began in the early 2000s. Get an update on those activities and gain insights on how our associations can communicate effectively with the Organic industry regarding biocontrol technologies.
Presenter: Dr. Nate Lewis, Senior Crops and Livestock Specialist, Organic Trade Association

9:10 – 9:50 AM
Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations: Implications for the Biocontrol Industry

The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (of the Convention of Biological Diversity) was rectified by 50 countries in 2014 and a new EU Regulation 511/2014 was published. As a consequence, access to new “genetic resources” as a source for a biocontrol products has become complicated and cumbersome, if not impossible. Can our Biocontrol Associations play a role in facilitating this process?
Presenters: Willem Ravensberg and Johannette Klapwijk, Koppert Biological Systems, the Netherlands/ IBMA-Belgium

9:50 – 10:30 AM
Neonicotinoids Update and Implications for the Biocontrol Industry 

Europe's two-year ban on neonicotinoids and increasing pressure on PMRA and the U.S. EPA to restrict their use is among the highest-profiles issue for the crop protection industry. The biocontrols industry can provide value with regard to pollinators but an integrated approach remains central to its core message. Get the latest on how policy is evolving from the front lines.
Presenter: Marion Law, Chief Registrar, PMRA Canada (invited)

10:45 – 11:20 AM
Regulatory Harmonization: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities

In theory, the harmonization of regulatory processes for biocontrols has widespread appeal. In practice, harmonization might well increase regulatory requirements. Learn about current harmonization efforts and why tolerance exemptions and MRLs should be a near-term focus for the International Federation.
Presenter: Nina Wilson, Global Regulatory Manager, Gowan Co.

11:20 AM– 12:00 PM
Building Relationships with IGOs and NGOs: Developing a Unified Message from Industry

Not only is it important for the global biocontrols industry to be proactive with positive messaging, lack of readiness in the event of a crisis could have a lasting, ripple effect. An expert on ag communications and crisis management informs the International Federation on how to leverage its collective resources to be prepared.
Presenter: Tim Martin, President, Executive Coach

1:00 – 1:35 PM
Building Relationships with NGOs: Gaining Traction with the World Health Organization

Getting into a position to demonstrate value to a large organization can be a game-changer for any company  but the cost of entry can be high. Learn what's required when developing a strategy to penetrate a powerful, influential NGO such as the World Health Organization.
Presenter: Dr. Steven Krause, Global Business Manager, Public Health and Forestry, Valent BioSciences

2:10 – 2:45 PM
Building EX-US Opportunities for American Biocontrols Producers

The size of the NAFTA market makes it a prime target for the introduction of biocontrols. However, rapidly expanding foreign markets are of increasing importance to US-based companies. How is the USDA-FAS working to open doors to new markets and help U.S. producers introduce their important technologies in other parts of the world?

Presenter: Janet Park, Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of the Under Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture (invited)

3:00 – 3:35 PM
Harmonization: Integration of Biocontrols and Conventional Products at the Macro Level

It wasn't long ago that many considered biocontrols and conventional chemicals to be at odds, but market dynamics have brought them together both in the field and the board room. Crop Life International's Biocontrol Agent Network is a good example of how an integrated approach is becoming the mantra of the crop protection industry.

Presenter: Dr. Warren Shafer, Executive Vice President, Global R&D and Regulatory Affairs, Valent BioSciences Corporation

3:35 – 4:15 PM
Harmonization: Where Biostimulants Fit in the Solution Set for World Agriculture Biostimulant products don't fall under the umbrella of most biocontrols associations, but an increasing number of biocontrol manufacturers have an interest in this growing segment of the market. Most agree that a key to success is a well-defined program that minimizes the gray area between biostimulants and biocontrols. How can we all get on point and provide with the same message to industry?

Presenter: Arysta Lifescience (invited)

4:15 – 5:15 PM
Harmonization: Managing the Changing Profile of Association Membership

 Market dynamics in the biocontrols arena have dramatically changed the makeup of association membership. In this interactive session, Board members from BPIA, IBMA, and ANBP will discuss how their respective organizations are working to promote understanding and collaboration while balancing the interests of individual member companies. This session will include 20 minutes of open microphone for audience members.
Presenters: David Cary, Executive Director, IBMA; William C. Dunham, Board Member, BPIA, Managing Partner, DunhamTrimmer, René Ruiter, President, ANBP, North American Business Unit Director, Koppert Biological Systems.

5:15 – 5:30 PM
Recap: Symposium Highlights and Potential Action Items

A quick review of takeaways from the day's sessions with potential actions for 2015.
Presenter: David Cary, Executive Director, IBMA

All speakers confirmed unless otherwise noted.

6:00 -8:00 PM
Biocontrols 2015 Conference and Trade Show 
Kick-off Reception - On the Exhibit Floor at the 
Fresno Convention Center

Register Now!