IOBC

The International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC), based in Grahamstown, South Africa, is a nonprofit professional organization promoting biological pest control for environmentally safe management of noxious animals, plants, pests, and diseases in agriculture and forestry. It facilitates global research, collaboration, training, and practical application of biological control through working groups and regional sections, serving researchers and institutions across plant protection, agriculture, and forestry. Funded by memberships from individual scientists and institutional entities, IOBC is affiliated with the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS). Founding figures include A.S. Balachowsky, A.J. Nicholson, and Filippo Silvestri; recent leaders include Martin Hill and Joop C. van Lenteren. IOBC was officially established between 1955 and 1956. Its business model centers on nonprofit professional organization funded through memberships of individual scientists, governmental, scientific, and commercial entities, affiliated with International Union of Biological Sciences.