CABI and Koppert sign agreement on training plant doctors in Kenya

Published 2018
CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International) and Koppert Biological Systems signed an agreement to formalize the joint effort for organizing plant doctor trainings in Kenya. The agreement was signed on March 20th in Nairobi, Kenya during the Koppert Biocontrol Dinner Event that was hosted as part of the 2-day NewAg Biocontrol Africa conference.

These trainings aim to equip existing plant doctors (beginning in Kenya) with more practical knowledge and skills related to Integrated Pest and Disease Management in small holder farms.

 CABI and Koppert were also presented with a cheque from the Koppert Foundation. This Foundation contributes to projects that make sustainable farming inputs available and accessible in areas where that is not taken for granted. Ulrich Kuhlmann (Executive Director, Global Operations, CABI) and Henri Oosthoek (Managing Director, Koppert Biological Systems) gratefully accepted the € 32.500,- cheque handed by Ed Moerman (executive manager, Koppert Foundation).

This sum enables the development of the curriculum and some pilot trainings in Kenya. All are convinced that this is the beginning of a trajectory of capacity building that finally can reach an enormous number of small farmers. CABI and Koppert believe it will help them to utilize the untapped potential of beneficial organisms from nature, as well as commercially available biocontrol products.