Agriculture has been the thread connecting my journey through academia, government, and consultancy. My focus has always been pest and disease management, but it was during my student years in Colombia that I discovered a fascinating corner of this field: predatory mites. These tiny, almost invisible creatures captivated me with their monumental impact on controlling pests and reducing economic losses in crops. Watching them in action was, and still is, a profound joy—a reminder of nature’s intricate and effective designs.
That initial discovery during a population biology class sparked a lifelong curiosity. I became deeply intrigued by why biological control methods, despite their effectiveness, were not widely embraced in conventional agriculture. The skepticism I observed from policymakers, growers, and even scientists was understandable. For decades, pest control in agriculture has leaned heavily on chemical solutions. To many, the idea of “going back to nature”, looking at the solutions used before the green revolution, seemed like a step backward, not forward.
But science, like history, is rarely linear. Innovations often require us to revisit ancient wisdom and adapt it with cutting-edge technology. Biological control and soil food web management represent this kind of leap—drawing from timeless ecological principles while integrating modern advancements in biology, robotics, and ecology. It’s a “back to the future” moment for agriculture, where we are merging solutions, the old with the new.
Of course, implementing this vision is no small task. It requires not only technological innovation but also cultural and educational shifts. The ecological and biological principles underlying biological control must be shared in ways that make them accessible, understandable, and practical for growers, policymakers, and consumers alike.
This is where I see my role. Through initiatives like biological control and soil food web courses, I aim to bridge the gap between science and practice, providing tools and knowledge to make regenerative agricultural practices more attainable and appealing. By fostering a community of learners and practitioners, I hope to inspire others to explore this exciting intersection of tradition and innovation.
Together, we can build a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature, and where the tiny predators I fell in love with years ago play a starring role in a healthier, more sustainable world.