A major focal point of the first two inaugural Salinas Biological Summits has been their laser-focus on biocontrols and biopesticides. As regulators around the world remove traditional chemical pesticides from the growers' toolbox, the need to find alternative biologicals and softer chemistry has never been more critical.

The Summit has always recognized however that a key element of the broader biological landscape includes biostimulants, which can significantly impact a growers' ability to enhance crop yield and quality traits, as well as improve plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In 2023, this was highlighted in the Mixing Bowl's Ag Biologicals Landscape Map.

The Summit is therefore excited to announce that at June's 2025 Salinas Biological Summit in Woodland, and in recognition of the significant role that biostimulants play, the Mixing Bowl will be releasing their 2025 Biostimulant Landscape Map. Rob Trice and the team will discuss its findings and analyze its implications for the market. It's going to be a fascinating session.

The Summit is also delighted to be joined by Nick Young, CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program Manager. Nick is a former President of the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials, and he currently serves as Chairman of both the Biostimulant and Environmental Affairs committees.

Nick will be talking about the current biostimulant landscape, its opportunities and its challenges. Nick will be joined on the stage by Ed Thomas, Vice President, Government Affairs at The Fertilizer Institute. The Institute seeks to advance sustainable fertilizer production, distribution, and use by advocating for the 4R nutrient stewardship framework to improve farm performance and reduce nutrient loss, promoting pathways for industry innovation that result in positive environmental outcomes, and championing environmental and business performance throughout the industry supply chain.

These two sessions will help delegates understand how biostimulants are enabling growers to develop more sustainable practices and their role in the broader 'biological' context.