The CABI BioProtection Portal is pleased to welcome the South African Bioproducts Organisation (SABO) as its newest associate member, strengthening efforts to bring safe, registered biocontrol products to more South African farmers.
Established in 2013 through a collaboration between government, universities and the bioproduct industry, SABO exists to grow South Africa’s bioproduct sector while protecting both the market and end users. A central focus for SABO is working with regulators to shorten the time it takes for biologicals to reach registration which will help new, science-based solutions get into farmers’ hands faster.
A shared focus on registration and trust
South Africa distinguishes between biofertilisers (M-registered products) and biopesticides such as bioinsecticides and biofungicides (L-registered products). SABO works to raise awareness of this distinction, as some products are marketed in ways that blur the line between the two. This has led to some farmers using unregistered products with poor results and losing faith in the efficacy of biocontrols.
SABO’s focus on clarity and trust mirrors the CABI BioProtection Portal’s own mission: helping growers and advisors worldwide find and use registered, reliable biocontrol products with confidence.
“This partnership with the CABI BioProtection Portal is a significant step towards SABO’s vision of empowering growers through trusted information, practical training, and greater confidence in the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the biological products they use.” Deidre Odendaal, SABO
Growing knowledge among South African farmers
Education is central to SABO’s approach. The organisation trains farmers and advisors on where biologicals fit within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes, and collaborates with CropLife South Africa on crop protection training, including a biological control course developed with Stellenbosch University.
SABO also produces compliance flyers and cheat sheets to help growers identify registered products, and is working with CropLife to build a shared list of registered bioproducts for the industry.
Looking ahead
Together, we aim to help more South African growers make informed choices about biological crop protection, reducing use of unregistered or unsuitable products and supporting a more sustainable future for agriculture.
