Biopesticide Industry Alliance holds annual meeting

The Biopesticide Industry Alliance (BPIA) celebrated a decade of growth this week as representatives from more than 50 companies and governmental agencies filled the meeting room for its 2010 bi-annual meeting in Sacramento, CA.

The meeting marked BPIAs 10th anniversary.

Despite the tangible energy and excitement among attendees, its not a group resting on its laurels.

"Biopesticides are on a fast growth track, but we have a lot more work to do," said Pam Marrone, the alliances founding director, recalling the first meeting in 2000 when the entire membership consisted of just seven companies.

"We were a niche industry when BPIA formed," said Eda Reinot, the current board chairman, "but that isnt the case any more. Many new companies have since formed to develop, produce and market biologicals."

The mission of BPIA is to increase the awareness of biopesticides as effective products for commercial agriculture, public health and home use. The alliance also works to enhance the regulatory process for getting new products approved and to provide quality networking opportunities for members and affiliates.

"We are developing new committees to improve the public perception of biopesticides and to improve understanding of these products among legislators," said Bill Foster, a current board member who was at the first meeting in 2000. Foster explained that BPIA was formed as a regulatory organization. "But now, we are also focusing on the commercialization of biopesticides," he added.

Boasting record attendance for the fourth straight meeting, the Sacramento event focused on the value of biopesticides in resistance management and featured a broad range of speakers offering industry and governmental perspectives. In many ways, the associations growth mirrors the increasing popularity of organic foods as well as foods containing no detectable pesticide residues. Board Member Steve Hartmeier said its a simple matter of responding to unmet needs.

"We can fill the need the market demands for clean, healthy food with products that work," said Hartmeier, a sentiment echoed by fellow board member Robert E. Holm.

"We (BPIA) dont promote specific products, we promote the use of biopesticides," Dr. Holm, another original member who is now a retired consultant. "BPIA provides a voice that many more stakeholders are interested in hearing."

About BPIA:

Founded in 2000, the Biopesticide Industry Alliance is a non-profit organization committed to communicating the benefits of biopesticide technology in effective pest management programs. Among its stated objectives are the development and promotion of industry standards for biopesticides, as well as the establishment of strong working relationships with the authorities entrusted to regulate pesticides.