Can Biological Products Transform Agriculture? | Ep. 158

At the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie spoke with Debbie Matteucci, CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), about the growing role of biological products in agriculture and the challenges involved in moving towards more sustainable farming systems. SABO has grown significantly over the past two years, and Debbie explains how the organisation has expanded its focus beyond regulation to address the wider barriers to adoption across the agricultural value chain. The conversation covers: •The growing interest in biological products and bioproducts in agriculture •Why regulation and compliance remain important for the biological sector •The challenges farmers face when transitioning to different farming systems •Why biological products cannot simply be viewed as one-for-one replacements for synthetic pesticides•The importance of soil health, plant resilience and beneficial microorganisms •How integrated pest management fits into the transition •The role of biodiversity and natural predators such as bats, owls and other organisms •Why consumer education about food production and farming is important •The need for financing mechanisms to help farmers through the transition period •SABO's vision of becoming a trusted knowledge and industry hub for biological agriculture Debbie also discusses the importance of collaboration between growers, manufacturers, researchers, regulators, retailers, financiers and consumers if biological solutions are to become a more integrated part of modern agriculture. The conversation was recorded during the 2026 CRI Citrus Research Symposium, where the Lucentlands Podcast recorded a series of conversations with agricultural industry leaders. About Debbie Matteucci Debbie Matteucci is the CEO of the South African Bioproducts Organization (SABO), which focuses on naturally derived products and their use within agricultural systems. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm\_source=lucentlands&utm\_medium=referral&utm\_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/