The World BioProtection Forum (WBF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture, under which both parties have committed to working together to help advance knowledge in biologicals for sustainable agriculture.

The MOU was signed during a closed meeting in Auburn, Alabama, USA, on 23 rd February 2023, between Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and Chairman of the WBF, and Professor MS Reddy, Founder Chairman of the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture.

“In the context of increasing international concern for food and environmental quality, the use of PGPR for reducing chemical inputs in agriculture has important potential,” said Professor MS Reddy. “There is an active and growing group of researchers working on fundamental and applied aspects of PGPR. The challenge lies in applying and commercialising these bacteria for sustainable agriculture.”

Dr Minshad Ansari added “Industry, academia, policy makers and other stakeholders are all interested in finding alternatives that enable sustainable agriculture. We try to connect those people and encourage them to work together for the successful development and commercialisation of novel biological products – we encourage them to Collaborate to Innovate.”

The MOU is consistent with the WBF’s focus on Innovation through Collaboration. The organisation is founded on the principle that collaboration between the biocontrol industry and academia in the agriculture will connect different stakeholders who can work to ensure the successful development and commercialisation of biocontrol products.