"When the doors open on this year’s Four Oaks Trade Show, the UK’s biggest event for ornamentals, more than 300 exhibitors and eight thought-provoking seminars will set the stage for the industry’s future. But among the conversations about market growth, regulatory change and shifting consumer expectations, one theme is cutting through louder than ever: the urgent need to reduce chemicals in ornamental production and embrace biological alternatives.
"No company embodies that vision more clearly than Bionema Group. On Tuesday, 2 September at 12:00, in the Education Zone, I will deliver a landmark seminar titled From Pesticide Reduction to Substrate Regeneration: The Rise of Biocontrol & Microbial Inputs. It addresses the single greatest challenge facing ornamentals: how to keep plants healthy, beautiful and sustainable without reliance on chemicals.
"Unlike other sectors of agriculture, ornamentals sit in our homes, gardens, schools and workplaces. The flowers we bring to our tables, the plants we grow by our windows, and the landscapes we design for public spaces all bring people into intimate contact with the crops grown by this industry. As consumer awareness of chemical residues grows, so too does the pressure on growers, distributors and retailers to offer chemical-free, sustainable products.
“Ornamental plants are part of our living environment. They are close to people, families and children. If we cannot remove chemicals from this space, where can we? The answer lies in the next generation of biological solutions: biopesticides, biostimulants and biofertilisers. And Bionema is at the forefront of bringing these technologies from the lab into mainstream production.
"Bionema’s research and commercial trials across the UK, Canada and Europe show that biological solutions are no longer “future technologies” — they are here, proven, and ready to scale.
"At Four Oaks, Dr Ansari will present case studies where microbial biopesticides have successfully reduced chemical inputs without compromising yields. These results are not theoretical: growers are already realising measurable benefits, from healthier crops to stronger market positioning with eco-conscious consumers.
"Equally significant are the breakthroughs in biostimulants and biofilm-based biofertilisers. By improving nutrient uptake and soil health, these products not only enhance growth but also reduce dependency on synthetic fertilisers — a significant step towards regenerative growing practices.
"A key factor in Bionema’s success has been its commitment to innovation in formulation science. Technologies such as microencapsulation and advanced surfactant systems have improved both the stability and efficacy of biological products from 20-30% compared with traditional products.
"For growers and investors, this means biological solutions are no longer inconsistent or niche. They are robust, scalable and financially viable, delivering return on investment while meeting environmental and consumer expectations.
"As the regulatory environment tightens across the UK and Europe, with an EU-proposed ban on 50% of pesticides by 2030, the ornamental sector faces increasing restrictions on conventional pesticide use. This has created both pressure and opportunity.
"Bionema’s approach, as Dr Ansari will outline, is not just to help growers comply with regulations, but to position them ahead of the curve. By adopting microbial solutions early, growers can build resilience into their production systems, secure consumer trust, and reduce the risk of future market disruption.
"For policymakers and investors, the message is equally clear: supporting biological innovation is not optional — it is essential to secure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of UK horticulture.
"Bionema will use Four Oaks as the platform to launch new biological products to control pest and plant health, designed specifically for the ornamental sector. These innovations build on years of R&D and respond directly to grower demand for practical, reliable alternatives to chemicals.
"The details of these launches will be revealed during the show, but one message is already clear: Bionema is not standing still. It is leading the transition to a biological future — with new tools, new science and new partnerships.
Tuesday seminar attendees can expect to learn:
How microbial biopesticides deliver consistent, real-world results.
Why Biostimulants and Biofertilisers are now proven to add value in UK conditions.
How new formulations are solving past performance challenges.
The regulatory and market outlook for biological adoption.
Practical pathways to integrate these solutions into existing production systems.
"The future of ornamentals is not just about colour, form or fragrance. It is about trust — the trust consumers place in the industry to provide products that are safe, sustainable and aligned with their values.
"By reducing chemicals and embracing biologicals, growers can build that trust while unlocking new efficiencies and opportunities. Four Oaks is the place where that future will be discussed, debated and, crucially, demonstrated.
"Four Oaks has always been a showcase for innovation and collaboration in ornamentals. But in 2025, it is also a turning point. The choices made today about pesticide use, fertiliser inputs, and sustainable practices will shape the industry for decades to come."
By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and founder of BionemaGroup
#Bionema has launched BoostBio SP 400, a biobased spray adjuvant enhances the performance of both conventional crop protection products and biological solutions.
