Jun 26, 2023

Biological crop protection and pollination pioneer dies

Peter Koppert, a pioneer in biological crop protection and natural pollination, has died.

Koppert, founder of Koppert Biological Systems BV in the Netherlands, was 73.

Up until only a couple of weeks before his June 20 death, Koppert remained closely involved with the company through his role as a member of the company’s advisory board.

“With deep sadness, we share the passing of Peter Koppert,” Koppert officials said on the company’s website. “Our beloved founder passed away on June 20 after a brief illness at the age of 73. With Peter’s passing, we lose our dedicated founder, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother. His death leaves a deep void in our hearts.”

Koppert Biological Systems Inc. – USA (KBSI) is based in Howell, Michigan.

“Peter fulfilled an unforgettable role in the history of Koppert,” according to the company. “He got involved in his father’s cucumber business at a young age. Together, they started the search for alternatives to chemical pest control and found a natural solution. With great enthusiasm, Peter, along with his wife Diny, implemented biological pest control in their cucumber crop and in greenhouses of growers nearby. Soon after his father became ill, Peter took over the business and focused entirely on the production and sales of natural solutions. Following his father’s passing, Peter, along with his brother Paul, and their cousin Henri, carried on the business. Under their leadership, our company grew into the pioneering global market leader it is today.”

“With his determination, his vision, and his unwavering passion, Peter left an unforgettable impression. Not only on our company, but also on many of us as individuals. His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him and worked with him.”

“We will remember Peter as a visionary and a warm personality. Peter showed that a company is also about interpersonal connections and about making a positive impact on the world. He managed to integrate this warmth into the DNA of our company, something that our employees continue to appreciate and cherish. His vision and passion have shaped Koppert and will remain a source of inspiration for all of us.

“On behalf of all the employees of Koppert, we offer our sincere condolences to Diny, Peter’s family and his loved ones. May they find strength and support in the beautiful memories they have of him.

Those wishing to express support and condolences can do so here.

KBSI is a market leader in biological crop protection and natural pollination. The family-run company develops and produces state-of-the-art biological systems which are used by professional growers including greenhouse growers throughout the world.

Koppert was founded in 1967 when cucumber grower Jan Koppert searched for a new solution for fighting pests and diseases as the pesticides he was using became less effective. He was the first to find and introduce a natural solution: a natural enemy, the Phytoseiulus persimilis mite, to combat spider mite. The results prompted Jan Koppert to produce his solution for his fellow growers.

Jan Koppert’s sons Peter and Paul and nephew Henri Oosthoek transformed the small pioneering company into a global operation with 30 subsidiaries operating in more than 100 countries. The company has since expanded its range of beneficial insects, introduced natural pollinators and explored and developed microbial products and biostimulants. Koppert’s natural solutions provide a sustainable alternative for chemical pesticides and set in motion a transformation towards sustainable, according to the company’s website.