Soil Health is key to agricultural development, ecosystem functions and food security. 95% of the world's food supply comes from soils - but 33% of our soils are degraded. This happens due to a number of reasons, including unsustainable industrial farming practices, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and application of harmful agrochemicals and plastics. A shift towards safer, low-input agricultural solutions will improve soil productivity and protect human health and ecosystems. 

On World Soil Day, the GEF-funded Farm Programme experts have shared their reflections on the recent trends in the biocontrol industry:

🌱 Biocontrol research & development diversity and expanding solutions underscore the sector’s strength.
🌱 Corporate venture capital underpins biocontrol’s growth, but institutional investment must expand.
🌱 Data science, digital finance platforms and operational AI technologies are essential infrastructure. 
🌱 Scientific value must align with financial metrics to strengthen investor confidence in biocontrol. 
🌱 Global initiatives like FARM play a key role in supporting dialogue between innovators and finance. 

Read more in the blog post by @Benjamin Warr and @Alison Watson: 

https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/blog/innovation-adoption-financing-growth-biocontrol-industry