2nd Breakout Session - Blue Team: L. LeBeck, Leader
For expanding commercialization opportunities for biocontrol, what alterations or alliances would you recommend to make existing paradigms more successful? Consider two of the following: a) individual grower-initiated efforts, b) cooperatives c) small companies, d) large companies
- Large companies should be committed to a product or development of a product for a minimum amount of time: in other words, don’t drop or lose interest in product development half way through.
- Stay OUT of biocontrol.
- Or, improve joint ventures.
List at least five unconventional ideas that might be tried.
- Offer a free sample for a period of time (product hook).
- "Central Supplier" for starter cultures: Franchise concept. - Supplier takes care of regulatory issues, equipment, training, quality control, supplies. The Franchiser could be growers, coops, entrepreneurs etc.
- Real tax incentives for use of biological control.
- Change paradigm to really fit BC (change government agency mindset).
- Central Internet sources: access to comprehensive information, retailers, etc.
As a group: Drawing upon Tasks #1 or #2, or any other workshop discussions, construct a scenario or paradigm for a new enterprise that could commercialize some particular aspect of biocontrol. What would it take to develop and implement such an enterprise? (For example, consider possible roles of academia, growers, government, and industry; consider legal, financial/business, scientific and education/communication issues).
"Central Supplier" company produces a microbial (e.g., nematode) for turf grass industries. It sets up franchises with equipment (fermentation), supplies, media, and provides training and marketing tools to each franchise (locally-based). It handles regulatory issues and quality control issues – guarantees a quality product.
What would it take to develop such an enterprise?
- Long-term mindset change of government agencies: needed for "certification" of product/
- Buy-in by all partners: government, entrepreneur, franchise owners, university personnel, turf managers, clientele in general/
- Some R&D for products in localized markets; maybe to develop different target clients (ex. Marketing a value-added soil amendment)/
Considering all the discussions throughout this workshop, list the five action steps that could have the most positive impact on the commercialization of biocontrol. (Identify who could do what).
- Identify entrepreneurs
- Coordinate partnerships: include government agencies, develop business plans; university partnerships, private sector consultants and scientists
- Refine product development, field testing, product quality
- Production, distribution, marketing, customer ID
- Small scale commercialization of the product
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