Background
Biological control, or biocontrol, uses natural enemies—like beneficial insects, microbes, and other organisms—to manage pests. It offers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides by working with nature to keep pest populations in balance.
The Alberta Biocontrol Consortium (ABC) was created to bring together expertise across sectors and address the growing need for sustainable pest management. By coordinating research, supporting on-the-ground adoption, and attracting investment, the ABC helps advance biological control as a practical solution for Alberta agriculture.
About the Consortium
Mission & Goals:
Our goal is to collaboratively facilitate, support, and coordinate the research, implementation, and delivery of sustainable biological control programs for invasive species in Alberta.
- Identify and prioritize invasive species targets for biocontrol in Alberta.
- Support the development and evaluation of biocontrol agents.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing among member organizations.
- Secure financial and in-kind resources to support biocontrol initiatives.
Do you have invasive plant species that you think we should review or prioritize? Complete the survey form for the Steering Committee to review!
Why does the ABC matter?
With Alberta’s vast agricultural landscape and increasing pressure to reduce chemical inputs, a coordinated, province-wide approach is essential to drive innovation and real-world adoption of biological control across the province.
- $2.2 billion spent across Canada on weed control (Invasive Species Centre & Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)
- $658 million annually spent by farmers dealing with herbicide resistance across the Prairies (Charles Geddes, AAFC, 2025)
- 70% of fields in the Prairies had at least one herbicide resistant weed present (Charles Geddes, AAFC, 2025)
- In December 2025, one of the foundational studies proving glyphosate safety was retracted due to possible biased results. (Journal retracts weed killer study backed by Monsanto, citing ‘serious ethical concerns’ | Science | AAAS)
Biological control can work, and has been around as a tool for managing weeds in systems for centuries. The ABC can:
- expand research capacity,
- enhance field monitoring,
- support municipalities in adopting biocontrol practices,
- take on some risk
If your organization is interested in supporting the ABC, you can join for free as a member (information below) or donate to the cause. All donations directly support ongoing research, project coordination, field site research, and educational outreach.
Get Involved
Who's Involved?
The ABC brings together a general membership governed by the Steering Committee, consisting of membership representatives from rural and urban Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Government, producer groups, industry, and NGOs. Currently, the ABC is housed by Alberta Invasive Species Council but is separately ran and administered.
Become an ABC Member:
Organizations interested in joining the ABC must submit a simple membership application (see below).
Note: Membership in the ABC is only open to organizations and FREE to join.
Please submit your application to our current chair:
Stacy Berry
Stacy.berry@strathcona.ca
780-464-8134
Current ABC Members
Contact
If you are interested in learning more or joining the Alberta Biocontrol Consortium, please contact:
communications@abinvasives.ca