For many, agriculture is an industry or a profession. For Antonio Gimenez, consultant team manager at Koppert Spain, it is a way of life - a connection formed from the cradle. From early childhood in the dry farming lands of Albacete, surrounded by almond trees, vines, and olive groves, this lifelong bond with agriculture has shaped not just a career, but a purpose.
“It’s unforgettable,” he reflects, recalling a world where family farming was a cornerstone of existence. "The colours, the flavours, the aromas—everything fills you." Whether it was plucking figs from trees by the river or savouring freshly picked tomatoes from the summer vegetable garden, this lifestyle revolved around the rhythm of nature. It was family farming, free from chemicals, and grounded in self-sufficiency—a connection to the earth that left an indelible mark.
Koppert: pioneering change in crop protection
"Agriculture is the basis of everything," Antonio ads, highlighting the role of farmers and agribusinesses in ensuring food security. It’s this passion for sustainable farming that brought them to Koppert, a global leader in biological crop protection. Here Antonio leads a team of technical consultants in Spain although he also provides occasional consultancy services for Koppert in other parts of the world.
His passion to help growers produce more and more sustainably and at the same time help them ensuring a good yield with quality produce is motivating his team of consultants every day. “I’m convinced that Koppert is helping to change the model of crop protection worldwide. It’s how everything started. Our founders Jan and Peter Koppert knew a shift was needed. They were pioneers and changed their production style in their greenhouse step by step. We are replicating the same model in all parts of the world.”
Through innovative solutions like predatory mites, Koppert has revolutionized biological control. “Swirskii changed our lives,” he says with pride. This natural enemy has been a game-changer for agriculture in Spain, offering rapid control of pests like thrips and whiteflies, solving bottlenecks that once hindered progress. The predatory mites, for me they feel like my children”, Antonio adds with a smile. “As a parent you can’t have favourites, but I am proud to say that I have a special affection for Swirskii because it changed all of our lives so much. We had major issues in relation to chemical use in the past, and Swirskii was that disruptive solution that we needed at that time.”
Nowadays Koppert's predatory mites play a pivotal role in IPM programs of every grower. “They establish themselves quickly in the crops and build up populations very fast, which means growers have a standing army of mites in the crop. Obviously, a future without predatory mites is not realistic. For a good, robust, reliable integrated biological control programme, we need them.”
But biological control isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires an integrated approach—an ecosystem of natural enemies, including predatory bugs, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites, each playing a critical role. The Koppert model emphasizes this diversity, creating robust, reliable programs tailored to each grower’s needs.
World class expertise: Koppert consultants
While innovation is a cornerstone, the Koppert consultants are very valuable to growers. “They know and understand growers and the challenges they have to cope with,” says Antonio. Combined with a deep knowledge of our natural solutions and sustainable practices, this is a unique combination. “From integrating natural enemies into pest control programs to fine-tuning protocols for each unique environment, our consultants support the growers’ success. They ensure that growers can transition smoothly to sustainable practices. They stand at the intersection of science and practice, turning cutting-edge research into actionable, impactful results. I am so proud of my team!”.
Looking ahead: a commitment to sustainability
From a childhood surrounded by self-sufficient farming to a career in sustainable crop protection. Through Koppert, we are contributing to a future where intensive farming can coexist with nature. By reducing chemicals, fostering biodiversity, and championing innovation, we are helping to build a model of agriculture that is healthier, safer, and more sustainable.