2026 in Focus: International and African Associations Chart the Future of Crop Protection
21 January 2026 AgriBusiness Global asked 27 association leaders from around the world to identify their goals for 2026. In the next few weeks, we’ll bring you this series of articles, to offer insights into how associations and organizations are mobilizing to advance plant health and crop protection products.
For this article, we look at three international and two African associations and their plans for 2026.
INTERNATIONAL
Emily Rees
President and CEO
CropLife International
In the plant biotech sphere, in 2026, all eyes are on Europe as its decision on new genomic techniques could set a transformative chain of events in motion, accelerating climate-smart agriculture, unlocking long-term R&D investment and markets, and sending positive regulatory signals far beyond its own borders.
On crop protection, we continue to strive for contexts that see innovation flow from lab to field, from field to market. This means speeding up the innovation pipeline through accelerated authorization and a continued focus on maximum residue limits (MRL) setting, grounded in independent, expert risk assessments. MRLs ensure food safety and facilitate market access alike. With growing the farmer toolbox as the ultimate goal, predictable, stable, transparent MRL setting is a solid foundation we must protect and preserve.
Jennifer Lewis
Executive Director
International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA)
Our goals for the upcoming year are to achieve a positive vote for the biocontrol simplification procedure. This will be a game-changer in shortening the registration of biocontrol in Europe.
We also want to build on our letter of intent with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN to continue expansion to grow the biocontrol industry and influence in the desired territories and our participation in the UNEP FARM project.
Lloyd Day
Deputy Director General
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the specialized agency for agriculture of the Inter-American System that supports the efforts of Member States to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being.
Our new Director General took office on 15 January 2026. Our new leadership will be surveying ministers, partners, and professionals working in this system to change, improve or continue on course.
AFRICA
Jerome Barbaron
President
CropLife Africa Middle East
One of our primary goals for 2026 is to continue expanding the adoption of biopesticides across the region by addressing and removing key obstacles such as regulatory barriers and lack of awareness. We aim to promote an enabling environment where innovative, sustainable crop protection solutions can reach farmers more effectively, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
At the same time, we are committed to scaling up stewardship activities by targeting key value chains in the region and through outcome-oriented actions that promote the safe and responsible use of crop protection products throughout their life cycle. Specifically, we focus on scaling up farmers’ trainings in good agricultural practices, fostering circular economy initiatives like the recycling of empty pesticide containers, and advocating for extended producer responsibility laws. Additionally, we aim to strengthen the capacities of poison control centers to better manage pesticide-related incidents and prevent them. We also plan to scale up activities to combat counterfeit pesticides. These multifaceted efforts are designed to ensure that crop protection solutions are used responsibly, sustainably, and effectively — ultimately supporting the health of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
In addition to these activities, our focus will be on completing the five-year Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework, launched by CropLife in Kenya and Morocco, and continuing the program in Egypt. The industry has invested $4.5 million in this initiative, which centers on reducing reliance on highly hazardous pesticides, fostering innovation, and promoting the safe and responsible use of pesticides. To ensure the sustainability of the program and achieve long-term impact beyond its completion, a key emphasis will be on continuing establishing and strengthening partnerships.
Debbie Matteucci
Chairperson
South African Bioproduct Organisation (SABO)
For 2026, we will support the introduction of comprehensive guidelines for each type of bioproduct to facilitate better development and regulation of bioproducts.
We are also working to improve trust of bioproducts within the industry by setting up a functional compliance and reporting channel alongside more grower awareness and training projects.
Get The Newsletter Today!
