Agricultural Biologicals Market by Type (Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertilizers), Source (Microbials, Macrobials, Semiochemicals, Natural Products), Mode of Application (Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment) - Global Forecast to 2029
[330 Pages Report] According to MarketsandMarkets, the agricultural biologicals market is projected to reach USD 31.8 billion by 2029 from USD 16.7 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast. The growing challenges in conventional farming, such as diseases, pests, and deteriorating soils, are driving the need for more efficient agricultural biologicals. Furthermore, stringent regulations from global regulatory bodies and governments are being introduced to promote sustainable agricultural practices over chemical-based agricultural inputs. Some examples include India's Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. The NMSA is advocating the use of non-toxic chemical biofertilizers and biopesticides for the sake of the maintenance of soil health and, therefore, an increase in crop yield. Even as PMKSY concerns itself with irrigation, it also embeds sustainable technology and practice workings—through second green revolution components like agricultural biologicals that raise resilience and also improve soil fertility—to meet the larger ends of sustainable agriculture.
AI will speed up the process of discovering and developing new agricultural biologicals by analyzing large data sets for promising natural compounds and microorganisms. Machine learning models can also forecast the efficacy of products, smoothen R&D processes, and reduce time-to-market. AI-powered tools bring a significantly higher level of accuracy to farming, according to the researchers. It is now possible to have continuous real-time crop health, soil conditions, and pest outbreaks. This allows for more targeted and efficient applications of the biologicals, reducing waste and increasing effectiveness.
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Market Dynamics
Driver: Rising trend for organically produced foods among consumers
A key driver for this market could be consumer demand for organically produced food. With increasing emphasis on health and well-being, people try to avoid artificial chemicals and GMOs in their intake of food; hence, the demand for organically produced products is on the rise. According to a 2022 report by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL, and IFOAM – Organics International, global sales of organic food are recorded at USD 120 billion, with maximum consumption attributed to Europe and North America. This has further motivated farmers to resort to agricultural biologicals like bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers that play key roles in organic farming. The market will increase further as more consumers keep shifting to organics, thus demanding sustainable and biological solutions in agriculture.
Restraint: Slow and variable performance
A major constraint in the market for the application of agricultural biologicals is the delayed and slow performance of biologicals compared to synthetic chemicals. Most biologicals are dependent on conditions like temperature and humidity for effectiveness, which limits consistency and predictability. Such variability may make farmers reluctant to fully adopt biologicals, more so when they are faced with quick-need or quick-fixing pest or disease pressures that are demanding and urgent. The slow action of certain biologicals—working over time with the enhancement of soil health or gradual pest control—may sometimes count against them when quick intervention is required.
Opportunity: advancements in microbial research undertaken by key players
The substantial progress made by microbiology research opens up huge potential for the agricultural biologicals market. Key companies and institutions are investing heavily in the discovery and development of new, more effective microbe strains for plants and soil, as well as better control methods against pests and diseases. Innovations in biotechnology, genomics, and fermentation processes, on the other hand, make it possible to produce more powerful and effective biological products. For example, AI and big data analytics have been integrated into microbial research, fast-tracking the identification of key microbes and their process optimization for agriculture. This has continued to result in the development of next-generation biologicals with better efficacy, faster action, and broader application—thereby expanding the market.
Challenge: High preference for agrochemicals among farmers in developing regions
One of the major challenges facing the agricultural biologicals market is the strong affinity that farmers in developing regions have for agrochemicals. Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers continue to be preferred in most of these regions due to their quick and predictable outcomes, lower cost, and easy availability. Moreover, a lack of awareness and education about the benefits of using biologicals, as well as the scarcity of products in rural markets, worsens the situation. For many farmers in developing regions, products with the features outlined above may be questioned for their effectiveness in the event of serious pest attacks or severe deficiencies that need immediate attention. Therefore, heavy outreach, education, and demonstration of the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of agricultural biologicals, coupled with better access to these products in developing markets, are needed to overcome this challenge.
AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICALS MARKET ECOSYSTEM
Key players within this market consist of reputable and financially robust agricultural biological product manufacturers. These entities boast extensive industry tenure, offering diversified product portfolios, cutting-edge technologies, and robust global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market are BASF SE (Germany), Syngenta Group (Switzerland), Bayer AG (Germany), FMC Corporation (US), Corteva (US), UPL (India), Nufarm (Australia), Novonesis (Denmark), Lallemand Inc (Canada), Mosaic (US), Rovensa Next (Spain), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd (Japan), SEIPASA, S.A. (Spain), Koppert (Netherlands), and Gowan Company (US).
In the source segment, the market for semiochemical-based agricultural biologicals is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Semiochemicals are a class of naturally occurring compounds that can affect the behavior of pests by interfering with their mating, feeding, or any other communicating process. Unlike conventional pesticides, semiochemicals only have negative actions on target pests and do not impact helpful insects and the surrounding environments; hence, they are efficient tools in integrated pest management programs. Also, the increasing adoption of IPM practices, coupled with growing precision needs in pest control, fuels the demand for semiochemicals. The improvement of formulation technologies that better guarantee stability and delivery will further enhance the growth of the semiochemicals market. Some of the key benefits associated with semiochemicals that make them rapidly adaptable in most agricultural settings include pest resistance reduction and the possibility of long-term pest control solutions.
In the crop type segment, fruits & vegetables are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Farmers are increasingly turning to agri-biologicals to protect their crops, as even minor damage can lead to significant economic losses. Also, most fruits and vegetables have a much faster growth cycle; accordingly, protection from pests and diseases demands more frequent and precise measures, which are provided by agri-biologicals. The perishability and quality requirements of fruits and vegetables also drive the adoption of biologicals that offer residue-free solutions and comply with strict safety and quality standards in both domestic and export markets. Moreover, the intensive cultivation practices involved in fruit and vegetable production create a higher demand for effective biological solutions in order to maintain yield and quality.
The agricultural biologicals market in the North American region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
The key market participants, coupled with the continuous launch of newer and more advanced biological products with applications in local agriculture, are driving this growth. Besides, the well-developed regulatory pathways in North America help in faster approval and adoption of new products. Large-scale commercial farming in the region focuses on higher yields with lesser resistance development in pests and diseases, raising demand for new-age agricultural biologicals. This, therefore, boosts the market through increased adoption of precision agriculture technologies in North America, hence the better application and resulting efficacy of biologicals.
Key Market Players
The key players in the agricultural biologicals market include BASF SE (Germany), Syngenta Group (Switzerland), Bayer AG (Germany), FMC Corporation (US), Corteva (US), UPL (India), Nufarm (Australia), Novozymes A/S (Denmark), Lallemand Inc (Canada), Mosaic (US), Rovensa Next (Spain), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd (Japan), SEIPASA, S.A. (Spain), Koppert (Netherlands), and Gowan Company (US). These market participants are emphasizing the expansion of their footprint via agreements and partnerships. They maintain a robust presence in North America, Asia Pacific, South America, RoW, and Europe, and they are supported by manufacturing facilities and well-established distribution networks spanning these regions.
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Report Metric |
Details |
Market size estimation |
2024–2029 |
Base year considered |
2023 |
Forecast period considered |
2024–2029 |
Units considered |
Value (USD) |
Segments Covered |
By Type, Source, Mode of Application, Crop Type, and Region |
Regions covered |
North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, and RoW |
Companies covered |
|
This research report categorizes the agricultural biologicals market based on type, source, mode of application, crop type, and region.
Target Audience
- Agricultural biologicals traders, retailers, and distributors.
- Agricultural biologicals manufacturers & suppliers.
- Related government authorities, commercial research & development (R&D) institutions.
- Regulatory bodies, including government agencies and NGOs.
- Commercial research & development (R&D) institutions and financial institutions.
- Government and research organizations.
- Venture capitalists and investors.
- Technology providers to agricultural biologicals and agricultural biologicals companies.
- Associations and industry bodies.
Agricultural Biologicals Market:
By Type
- Biocontrol
- Biostimulants
- Biofertilizers
By Source
- Microbials
- Natural products
- Macrobials
- Semiochemicals
By Mode of Application
- Foliar Spray
- Seed Treatment
- Soil Treatment
- Other Modes of Application
By Crop Type
- Cereals & Grains
- Oilseeds & Pulses
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Other Crop Types
By Region:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South America
- Rest of the World (RoW)
Recent Developments
- In May 2024, Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. announced that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock from Brazil, MAPA-Ministério de Agricultura e Pecuária, had approved three new bio-insecticidal and bio-nematocidal solutions derived from inactivated cells of the Company's proprietary Burkholderia platform.
- In January 2024, Certis Biologicals introduced Convergence Biofungicide, a new, powerful crop protection solution for corn, soybeans, and peanuts. This innovation from Certis Biologicals brings to row crop farmers the best combination of top disease control and more plant health in one convenient, lower-priced package.
- In December 2023, Biobest Group NV introduced a new plant defense elicitor, FytoSol, designed to offer preventative protection against tomato leaf mold caused by Cladosporium (Passalora fulva) in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which are the major companies in the agricultural biologicals market? What are their major strategies to strengthen their market presence?
The key players in the market are BASF SE (Germany), Syngenta Group (Switzerland), Bayer AG (Germany), FMC Corporation (US), Corteva (US), UPL (India), Nufarm (Australia), Novozymes A/S (Denmark), Lallemand Inc (Canada), Mosaic (US), Rovensa Next (Spain), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd (Japan), SEIPASA, S.A. (Spain), Koppert (Netherlands), and Gowan Company (US). These players are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific, South America, and Europe. They also have manufacturing facilities and strong distribution networks across these regions.
What are the drivers and opportunities for the agricultural biologicals market?
The growth of the agricultural biologicals market is derived from the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly farming solutions, increased consumer preference for organically produced food, and strict regulatory policies on synthetic chemicals. This growth is further derived from better soil health, reduced chemical residue, and environmentally responsible agriculture. Opportunities to develop more potent, focused biological products arise with the advancement in microbial research. On the other hand, it is also boosted by the increasing practice of precision agriculture and enhancements in technologies for product application, which facilitate efficient use of agricultural biologicals and create clear platforms for market growth.
Which region is expected to hold the highest market share?
In terms of the agricultural biologicals market, North America stands out due to its well-established agriculture sector coupled with regulatory support for sustainable farming practices. The region has the highest rate of adoption of advanced farming technologies and sustainable practices, according to indicators. This is partly driven by the fast-rising consumer demand for organic and environmentally friendly products. Again, North American farmers have the possibility to apply leading biological solutions supported by a well-built distribution and implementation framework. Further, strong market dynamics are built up by the presence of main companies dealing in agricultural biologicals and favorable government policies in this region, keeping North America ahead of other regions such as Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.
What are the key technology trends prevailing in the agricultural biologicals market?
The leading technology trend in agricultural biologicals is an increase in microbial-related research for developing more effective and target-specific biopesticides, biofertilizers, and biostimulants. Precision agriculture technologies, including drones, IoT devices, and AI-guided analytics, are increasingly integrated to improve the efficiency and optimization of biological products. From advanced gene editing to biotechnology, the ability to develop next-generation biologicals with superior efficacy and environmental adaptability draws more power. In addition, the emerging trends in the exploitation of big data and machine learning are assisting farmers in making better data-driven choices that increase crop protection and yield, all things done to improve the general usage of agricultural biologicals. Contemporary farming space is seeing these trends in combination; put together, they bring more potency, efficiency, and scalability to biological products.
What is the expected total CAGR for the agricultural biologicals market from 2024 to 2029??
The CAGR is expected to be 13.8% from 2024 to 2029. .
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The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the agricultural biologicals market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, peer, and parent markets. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation were used to estimate the market size of segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
This research study involved the extensive use of secondary sources—directories and databases such as Bloomberg Businessweek and Factiva—to identify and collect information useful for a technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the agricultural biologicals market.
In the secondary research process, various sources such as annual reports, press releases & investor presentations of companies, white papers, certified publications, articles from recognized authors, gold & silver standard websites, directories, and databases were referred to identify and collect information. This research study involved the extensive use of secondary sources—directories and databases such as Bloomberg Businessweek and Factiva—to identify and collect information useful for a technical, market-oriented, and commercial study of the agricultural biologicals market.
Secondary research was mainly used to obtain key information about the industry’s supply chain, the total pool of key players, and market classification and segmentation as per the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after obtaining information regarding the agricultural biologicals market scenario through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from both the demand and supply sides across major countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews. The primary sources from the supply side included various industry experts, such as Chief X Officers (CXOs), Vice Presidents (VPs), Directors from business development, marketing, research, and development teams, and related key executives from distributors and key opinion leaders. Primary interviews were conducted to gather insights such as market statistics, data on revenue collected from the products and services, market breakdowns, market size estimations, market forecasting, and data triangulation. Primary research also helped in understanding the various trends related type, source, crop type, mode of application, and region.
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Market Size Estimation
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the agricultural biologicals market. These approaches were also used extensively to estimate the size of various dependent submarkets. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:
- Key players were identified through extensive secondary research.
- Primary and secondary research determined the industry’s value chain and market size.
- All percentage share splits and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All the possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
- The following figure provides an illustrative representation of the complete market size estimation process implemented in this research study for an overall estimation of agricultural biologicals market in a consolidated format.
The following sections (bottom-up & top-down) depict the overall market size estimation process employed for the purpose of this study.
Global Agricultural Biologicals Market: Bottom-Up Approach
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Global Agricultural Biologicals Market: Top-Down Approach
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall market size from the estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. Data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were employed, wherever applicable, to estimate the overall agricultural biologicals market and arrive at the exact statistics for all segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from the demand and supply sides. The market size was also validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Agricultural biologicals are products derived from natural sources, such as microorganisms, beneficial insects, plant extracts, or other biological matter, as an alternative to agricultural chemical solutions, actively used in crop protection and crop nutrition. They play a key role in protecting crops from pests, diseases, and other threats, such as weeds, and enhancing plants’ growth.
Key Stakeholders
- Agricultural biologicals manufacturers
- Agricultural biologicals importers and exporters
- Agricultural biologicals traders, distributors and suppliers
- Research institutes and organizations
- Government bodies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
- Regulatory Bodies
- Commercial Research & Development (R&D) Institutions and Financial Institutions
Report Objectives
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
- To determine and project the size of the agricultural biologicals market with respect to the type, source, crop type, mode of application, and region, over five years, ranging from 2024 to 2029.
- To identify the attractive opportunities in the market by determining the largest and fastest-growing segments across the key regions
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To analyze the demand-side factors based on the following:
- Impact of macro-and micro-economic factors on the market
- Shifts in demand patterns across different subsegments and regions.
COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
- Identifying and profiling the key players in the agricultural biologicals market
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Providing a comparative analysis of market leaders based on the following:
- Product offerings
- Business strategies
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Key financials
- Understanding the competitive landscape and identifying the major growth strategies players across the country adopt.
- Providing insights on key product innovations and investments in the agricultural biologicals market.
Available Customizations:
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to company-specific scientific needs.
The following customization options are available for the report:
PRODUCT ANALYSIS
- Product Matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company.
GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to company-specific scientific needs.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Europe into Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, Russia, Greece, Austria, and Denmark.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Asia Pacific into Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of South America into Chile, Venezuela, and Peru.
COMPANY INFORMATION
- Detailed analyses and profiling of additional market players (up to five)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Agricultural Biologicals Market