Conventional insecticides have played a major role in the rapid increases in agricultural productivity over the past forty years, but many are now being lost. Although a wide range of new pesticides is being developed, they are likely to be more expensive and their short- and long-term availability is uncertain because of residues, particularly on food crops, and potential resistance. Therefore, there continues to be a need to develop biological alternatives to insecticides and miticides to ensure an abundant, safe, and affordable food supply for generations to come. Mass-reared multicellular natural enemies (mostly arthropods and nematodes) are one of several groups of biological products that could contribute significantly to the range of alternatives that may be needed. Over 80 species of arthropods and nematodes for use in the management of insect and mite pests have been reported to be available for purchase in North America. A review of past significant events, coupled with the presence of substantial interest in the public sector and of a small but viable commercial industry, indicates that there is considerable potential to expand the use of mass-reared natural enemies. However, the characteristics of these organisms suggest that institutions differing from those that have developed and delivered conventional pesticides are likely to be needed if the full potential for expanded use is to be realized. A framework for a total discovery, development, and delivery process that can be applied to biological products is presented. Also, a review, within this framework, of the events related to the evolution of a program for the use of mass-reared predaceous mites to manage phytophagous mites on strawberries provides a specific example of the actions that have led to the growth of a small but significant viable market for a mass-reared arthropod. Expanded coordinated efforts should be undertaken, on a case-by-case basis, to create increased inquiry by both the public and private sectors into the role of mass-reared natural enemies in pest management. Such inquiry is needed to identify gaps and those responsible for filling those gaps and to jointly plan specific actions to be undertaken to fill the gaps, if the natural enemy industry is to flourish and to contribute in a substantial way to the future of insect and mite management.