This project is focused on increasing knowledge and understanding about the use of biologicals and how to successfully integrate them into a crop protection programme.

It was developed with extension specialists Scarlatti, and with input from an A Lighter Touch industry advisory group, which included crop protection companies and product group extension advisors.

The project has three components which will run at the same time, being:

• an initial biologicals extension work with all A Lighter Touch product groups. This will assist growers and agronomists in learning how to evaluate changes to their crop protection programme, therefore enabling growers to fully understand their existing practice and the impact any change would have before integrating a new practice.
• an extension capability needs map. This will involve carrying out a gaps analysis of extension capability in the industry, identifying where further capability, resource, and or training is required, and developing a plan to address these gaps.
• a case study, which will look at a biological product which has previously been integrated into a crop protection programme, and will highlight lessons which can feed into an extension plan for the introduction of future biological products.

Check out Grower Resources being developed or read more about this project below:

• November 2024: Successfully introducing biologicals focus of new project
• May 2025: Barriers prevent promotion of biological pest management
• 1 October 2025: Factors driving successful extension of biologicals
• 15 October 2025: Guide to support extension planning
• November 2025: Resources to help with extension planning

A number of resources are being developed as part of the biologicals awareness and integration project.

Download the Awareness and integration of biologicals checklist here.
Download the Case study of biopesticides here.
Download the Advisor’s Training Needs Analysis here.
Download the Segmentation 101 guide here.
Download the Case study: Growing a grower’s group here.
Download the Electronic Grower Communications…on a shoestring here.