Export markets are tightening, chemical control options are becoming increasingly limited, and global scrutiny around food production practices is intensifying.
For South African growers, the need to adopt an integrated approach, with biological crop protection at its core, is no longer optional but essential for maintaining market access and ensuring long-term sustainability.
“We are at a turning point,” says Martin Booyens, Technical Marketing Specialist for Biological Solutions at InteliGro, with international experience in countries like Spain and Israel. “Growers are facing increased phytosanitary pressure, especially from the EU, where new regulations and stricter import inspections have recently been implemented. At the same time, we are losing access to chemical products at an alarming rate. Those who do not start taking biology seriously will fall behind.”
Booyens outlines three major forces behind the change:
• Fewer chemical products are available due to international regulations.
• Residue limits in export markets, especially Europe, leave little room for traditional chemical programmes.
• Advances in technology now allow biological products to be just as effective as chemical solutions against certain pests.
Restrictions on chemical products include the CMR classification (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxins), along with strict regulations requiring only certified PCOs to handle certain substances at the farm level. The EU Green Deal demands a 50% reduction in pesticide use and 20% less fertiliser by 2030. These targets are placing pressure on exporting countries like South Africa to adopt biological alternatives more swiftly.
“We have used natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and predatory mites for decades,” says Booyens. “The difference is that they used to be supplementary. Today, they form the backbone of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), marking a shift away from over-reliance on chemistry towards a balanced approach where biological solutions play a central role.”
Real-world examples
“International examples, such as Almería in Spain, show what is possible,” says Booyens. “Once known for high residue levels, Almería is now a global leader in biological farming, with 40 000 hectares of crops under production. We are using the same technology in South Africa and have already made significant progress, exporting soft fruit, table grapes, and citrus with zero pre-harvest residues to strict markets.”
Local success stories are already emerging:
• Peppers and cucumbers: In controlled environments, near-complete biological control is possible.
• Citrus: With the support of Citrus Research International, South Africa is a leader in the field. Local growers use biological strategies such as viruses to control bollworms, sterile insect technology for fruit flies, and bicarbonate for black spot.
• Table grapes: Bacillus, bicarbonate, and Trichoderma are effectively managing powdery mildew and Botrytis. These products also play a key role in row crops.
A table grape producer from Trawal on the West Coast, Jannie van Niekerk, says: “We have been struggling with a cultivar that has been hit hard by Botrytis for years. After incorporating biological products into our programme, we were very satisfied with the quality of the grapes we exported. The combination of chemistry and biology brought a noticeable improvement.”
Morné Paxton, also a table grape producer in Trawal, agrees: “I feel that the biological products strengthen the overall programme and reduce the risk of residues. They also improve resistance management, thanks to a broader spectrum of available solutions.”
New opportunities, new responsibilities
Booyens predicts a major industry shift over the next five to 10 years.
“Macrobiology – the breeding of beneficial insects – is growing internationally at 17% to 25% per year. However, being an integrated producer using both biological and chemical tools is more complex. It requires greater discipline, accurate monitoring, better training for farm workers, and the right equipment for precision farming.
“We are seeing large multinationals acquiring smaller biological firms and fast-tracking advanced technology into South Africa,” adds Booyens. “This means better product quality and faster access to new generations of biological solutions for our farmers.”
Booyens cautions that biological products work differently from chemicals: “We are used to rapid results from chemical products. Biology works more preventively and takes longer to show impact, but the results are more sustainable and build healthier soils and ecosystems.
“Growers who are gaining experience now are building a strong advantage,” says Booyens, whose practical advice to farmers includes:
• Start small and start early: trial it in a test block.
• Prepare your team: good monitoring and equipment are essential.
• Stick with it: the second season often shows the clearest results, with no yield losses.
“Biological products are no longer just in the trial phase. They are commercially proven, produced by reputable international companies, and registered under Act 36 of 1947. At InteliGro, we use technologies like weather mapping and precision farming tools to make accurate, timely decisions. Our demonstration farms, trials, and technical team training also play a big role in building trust and understanding – which is why growers know they can rely on our advice.”
Biological crop protection has quickly moved from being a complementary option to becoming essential as part of holistic programmes that integrate chemistry and biology. It enables growers to retain market access, protect their soil and ecosystems, and still deliver high-quality yields.
“When you farm with nature, rather than against it, the outcome is usually positive,” says Booyens. “The time for waiting is over, the future is biological.”