A turning point in Almeria: how predatory mites helped transform agriculture

Back in the late 1990s, the idea of growing vegetables without chemicals in southern Spain seemed almost impossible. “At that time, there was only one solution,” recalls Kris de Smet, Commercial Director Koppert Spain at that time. “Chemicals, people said that biological control was only for the high-tech greenhouses in the north of Europe. Not for us.” But things changed. And Koppert was at the heart of that transformation. Nowadays Kris is Business Unit Manager Region South Europe MEA. Kris adds: ‘I am so proud that Koppert still leads the way and provides growers with secure supply, superior quality, expert guidance and advice, and access to continuous innovation that keep growers ahead of the game’.

The turning point came during the 2006-2007 season. Supermarkets across Europe, especially in Germany, stopped accepting peppers from Almeria. Laboratory tests had revealed excessive pesticide residues—some from banned substances. Greenpeace launched a major campaign, and the reputation of Almeria’s growers was at stake. “There was no other option,” Kris says. “We had to change. Either we start growing differently or we stopped growing altogether.”

Luckily, the groundwork for that change had already been laid. Some early trials with biological solutions were already underway in the nearby mountains. “We had begun testing with predatory mites and the results were promising,” he remembers. “That was the lifeline we needed.”

Koppert’s predatory mite, Swirski-Mite, quickly proved to be a game-changer. “It worked against both thrips and whitefly - two of our biggest problems,” he explains. “It was effective and efficient, it really saved agriculture in Almeria.”

The switch wasn’t just about replacing chemicals - it was about a mindset shift. Growers began to understand that working with nature could offer not just peace of mind, but also long-term success. “Thanks to our predatory mites and our continuous innovation, growers saw that progress did not require chemicals. It meant smarter solutions, based on the solutions that are already there, in nature.”

One of the key advantages of predatory mites is their versatility and efficacy. “They reproduce quickly, they’re cost-effective, and there’s a wide variety of species - each with its own pest target. And there are still many more to discover,” he says. “We will continue to innovate and adapt. That’s the only way to stay ahead.”

This drive to innovate paid off once again recently with the emergence of a new pest: Thrips parvispinus. “It’s devastating the pepper crops here,” Kris explains. “But we already had a predatory mite in development, Amblydromalus limonicus (Limonica), that works very well against it. Because of our research, we could act quickly—test, reproduce, and deliver a solution in time.”

In today’s interconnected world, pests travel faster than ever. “With global trade and movement, new pests appear more frequently. That’s why we’re always researching in different parts of the world. We try to be ready before the problem arrives.” This proactive approach ensures growers can face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence. “Our mission is to provide real, reliable solutions—not just for today, but for the future.”

At the heart of it all is the idea of balance. “Health is about balance—within ourselves, in what we eat, and in how we treat our environment,” he reflects. “When we talk about healthy plants and healthy food, we must also think about a healthy lifestyle. Exercise, good food, fewer residues. It’s all connected.”

The story of Almeria’s transformation shows what’s possible when innovation, nature, and determination come together. Predatory mites have become more than just a tool - they’re a symbol of what sustainable agriculture can achieve.

Nothing beats original.