The Biologics in Agriculture Interest Group provides a global platform to advance testing methods and risk assessment practices for products derived from biological sources in agriculture.
Biologics include microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi), beneficial macroorganisms (e.g., predatory mites), semiochemicals (e.g., pheromones) and natural compounds. They cover a range of functions and can be subdivided into two major categories: biostimulants and biocontrol agents. These groups of agricultural products are considered a safer alternative to conventional chemicals for a number of reasons. However, technical challenges in testing and risk assessment must be addressed before they can be widely adopted.