BioWorks adds IPM specialist to support Southeast growers

BioWorks has hired Michelle Opela as biological solutions advisor for its Southeast region, where she will support growers and distributors with biological crop protection and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Opela brings more than 10 years of experience in horticulture and IPM program development across large-scale operations. She most recently served as senior IPM manager at Costa Farms, where she led pest and disease management across more than 250 acres of production. In that role, she developed programs that reduced input costs and crop losses, including a 65% cost reduction at one facility.

Her experience also includes overseeing research trials, providing technical training and working with industry partners to evaluate product performance under commercial conditions. Opela has also been involved in grower education through speaking engagements and as a co-host of the PlantRx Podcast.

Jason Miller, director of sales and distributor relations at BioWorks, said Opela’s background in biological control and grower education will support the company’s efforts in the region.

Opela will focus on aligning biological solutions with grower production needs and advancing IPM programs across the Southeast.

Photo courtesy of BioWorks.