Australian growers are set to benefit from the broader resources of a global network, following a new strategic alliance between Biological Services and Biobest Group NV, a global leader in biological control and pollination headquartered in Belgium.

Biological Services co-director, James Altmann, says it will still be ‘business as usual’ for customers with the added promise of international collaboration fast-tracking exciting future developments.

“The biocontrol industry is growing rapidly worldwide and substantial investment in research and development is key to finding much-needed alternatives to chemical pesticides,” said Mr Altmann.

“Our pledge to Australian growers continues to be access to a growing range of high-quality biocontrol products backed up by reliable advice. We’re thrilled to announce our alliance with Biobest which, as a leading international player, will help us deliver on that promise through a global network of shared knowledge, experience and resources.”

Biological Services co-director, Lachlan Chilman, agrees.

“The deal with Biobest will help us to deliver improved innovative solutions while allowing James and me to remain the engine driving Biological Services’ local growth and service delivery,” said Mr Chilman. “Growers value our personal technical advice – that won’t change. Instead, our alliance puts global resources and expertise at their service.”

Chief sales officer of Biobest Group NV, Marc Mertens, says the company shares the passion of Biological Services to make it easier for growers to choose effective natural solutions for pest control, instead of a continual reliance on broadspectrum, residual chemical pesticides.

“The biocontrol business is still quite small in comparison to the chemical industry,” said Mr Mertens. “We strongly believe in the growth potential of the Australian market for biological control and have taken ambitious steps to build a strong position here.”

“James and Lachlan, are outstanding entrepreneurs. Our strategy is to continue to empower them, to extend their network and to create technological synergies. That is how we can make an even greater contribution to help Australian growers grow healthier produce in an environmentally sustainable way,” said Mr Mertens.

Biological Services remains committed to its mission to help future-proof pest control in agriculture with the expanded resources offered by Biobest.

“Lachlan and I will continue to manage the company and rear beneficials locally, due to Australia’s strict quarantine laws,” said Mr Altmann. “We see today’s announcement as the start of an exciting new chapter to our story and we will continue to service our customers with the quality standard of products and service they have come to expect.”

Biological Services began in 1971 with the production of Aphytis wasps for Red Scale control in citrus orchards in South Australia’s Riverland. James Altmann took the helm of Biological Services in 1987, and in July 2014 joined forces with Manchil IPM, created by Lachlan Chilman. Together, they cemented Biological Services’ premier position in Australia’s biological control business landscape.