Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides & Bactericides), Origin (Synthetic & Biopesticides), Form, Mode of Application (Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment), Crop Type - Forecast to 2030
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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BY COUNTRYFrance dominated the Europe crop protection chemicals market, with a share of 23.9% in 2024.
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BY TYPEBy type, the insecticides segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.7%.
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BY ORIGINBy origin, the biopesticides segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 15.0% from 2025 to 2030.
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BY FORMULATIONBy formulation, the liquid segment will grow the fastest during the forecast period.
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BY MODE OF APPLICATIONBy mode of application, the foliar spray segment is expected to dominate the market.
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BY CROP TYPEBy Crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment will grow at the highest rate.
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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - KEY PLAYERSBASF SE, Syngenta, Bayer AG, UPL, and Corteva were identified as Star players in the europe crop protection chemicals market, as they have focused on innovation and have broad industry coverage and strong operational & financial strength.
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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - STARTUPS/SMESNufarm, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Albaugh LLC, and Koppert have distinguished themselves among startups and SMEs due to their strong product portfolio and business strategy.
Europe is one of the largest markets for crop protection chemicals and is expected to maintain this status throughout the forecast period. The region's dominance is primarily attributable to the presence of major manufacturers of crop protection chemicals operating on a global scale. Additionally, the implementation of stringent regulations by the European Union has contributed to the increasing adoption and growth of natural crop protection chemicals within this area.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
Changes in customer trends or disruptions affect consumers’ businesses. These shifts affect end users’ revenues. Major disruption-related trends are influencing the European crop protection chemicals market, driving product innovations and redefining market dynamics. Accelerated regulatory reviews and periodic re-evaluation of active ingredients are resulting in the withdrawal of older chemistries and increased demand for new, safer, and more selective products. At the same time, weed, insect, and pathogen resistance is underscoring the need to shift to newer modes of action or combination products and better resistance management strategies. Similarly, sustainability aspirations from governments, food companies, and consumers are changing the dynamics of traditional portfolios, prompting manufacturers to mitigate environmental burdens by using low-dose actives and advanced formulations.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
Level
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Rising incidence of pest and disease outbreaks
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Shift toward high-value and specialty crops
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Regulatory restrictions & re-approvals
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Environmental and health concerns
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Biopesticides and low-risk chemistries
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Integration with precision agriculture
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Resistance management
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Supply chain & raw material volatility
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Rising incidence of pest and disease outbreaks
There is an increasing incidence of pests and diseases in Europe due to climate change and alterations in weather patterns; hence, the demand for pesticides has been on the rise. Increases in temperature and the length of the growing season have extended the range of pest populations and diseases. Therefore, the need for efficacious fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides to protect yields and ensure the quality of crops is now of much higher significance.
Restraint: Regulatory restrictions & re-approvals
Extensive EU regulations governing the use, registration, and re-approval of active chemical ingredients significantly constrain market growth. Long approval timelines under frameworks such as REACH and the Sustainable Use Directive may delay the launch of any novel synthetic product, thereby increasing compliance costs for the manufacturer.
Opportunity: Biopesticides and low-risk chemistries
Rising environmental sustainability and consumer preferences toward residue-free food are creating very strong opportunities for biopesticides and low-risk chemistries. These solutions align with the EU Green Deal objectives, providing safer and sustainable substitutes for conventional pesticides.
Challenge: Increasing resistance to crop protection chemicals
One challenge the crop protection industry faces today is the growing resistance of weeds, insects, and pathogens to existing active ingredients. Repeated application of the same modes of action and abuse of these molecules lead to rapid resistance development and reduced efficacy of the so-called traditional chemistries; this shortens the life cycle of the products.
EUROPE CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
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Uses crop protection chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides across its crop sourcing operations | Improves crop yield, quality, and ensures supply chain sustainability |
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Supports its cooperative farmers with crop protection solutions for cereals, oilseeds, and other commodities | Boosts farm productivity, soil health, and sustainable farming practices |
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Applies crop protection chemicals to crops such as grains, coffee, and cocoa | Enhances crop resilience, reduces losses, and supports consistent supply |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
Some of the prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially sound manufacturers of crop protection chemicals. These companies have operated in the market for more than a decade, have diversified portfolios, employ the latest technologies, and maintain excellent global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include BASF SE (Germany), Syngenta (Switzerland), Bayer AG (Germany), Corteva (US), and Koppert (Netherlands).
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Type
The type segment comprises herbicides, insecticides, fungicides & bactericides, and others. Fungicides & bactericides hold the largest share in the type segment of the European crop protection chemicals market, due to the region's focus on high-value crops and very strict quality standards. These products are essential for European farmers to control a plethora of fungal and bacterial diseases that threaten the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and horticultural crops. The strong presence of devastating diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, blight, and bacterial spot has given more impetus to France, Spain, Italy, and Germany—the major agricultural producers of Europe—to develop effective solutions for disease control.
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Origin
The origin segment comprises synthetic and biopesticides. Synthetic products hold the major share in the origin segment of the crop protection chemicals market, primarily due to their proven efficacy, broad-spectrum activity, and consistent performance across diverse crops and agro-climatic conditions. In particular, they deliver both quick and reliable control of weeds, pests, and diseases. Thus, synthetic herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides are considered the best options in agro-commercial and large-scale farming systems. The highly standardized manufacturing processes, extended shelf life, and compatibility with modern applications make these products favorable for developed countries and commercial farms.
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Formulation
Liquid formulations account for the largest share within the form segment, driven by their ease of handling, application efficiency, and formulation versatility. Liquid products, namely, emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, and soluble liquids, are sufficient to ensure that active ingredients are evenly distributed and well-covered over crop canopies during application. This leads to successful control of pests and diseases. Modern spraying equipment and precision application systems easily adapt these formulations to large-scale commercial farming. Liquid forms also facilitate flexible tank mixing and easy integration with adjuvants, fertilizers, and other crop inputs, thereby enhancing overall convenience for growers. From manufacturing aspects, liquid formulations can accommodate a variety of active ingredients and highly innovative formulation technologies for differentiating products.
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Mode of Application
The mode of application segment includes foliar spray, soil treatment, seed treatment, and other modes of application. Foliar spray holds the largest share within this segment, driven by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and rapid action against pests and diseases on the plant surface, making it the preferred method for high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, grapes, and greenhouse produce.
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market, By Crop Type
The crop type segment includes cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables, oilseeds & pulses, and other crop types. Cereals & grains account for the largest share of the crop type segment in the Europe crop protection chemicals market, primarily due to their extensive global cultivation and critical role in food security. Wheat, rice, barley, corn, etc., require a large area of land to be seeded, yet are among the most affected by weeds and insects, as well as by fungal diseases, throughout their growth cycle. Furthermore, cereals & grains are usually subjected to intensive farming systems, which prioritize maximizing yields and uniform crop performance, thus increasing chemical use. These factors, with their high economic returns, encourage farmers to invest heavily in very effective crop protection programs to minimize losses.
REGION
Germany to be fastest-growing country in Europe crop protection chemicals market during forecast period
Germany is experiencing the most rapid growth in Europe's crop protection chemicals market. Innovation and progress in agricultural crop protection chemicals are propelled by extensive cultivation of cereals, oilseeds, and sugar beets, coupled with an unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices. This trend will prompt the increased adoption of new, environmentally sustainable crop protection products that facilitate technological advancement, precise monitoring of agricultural practices, and strict compliance with EU environmental standards. Currently, an increasing number of German farmers are implementing integrated pest management (IPM) systems on their farms, alongside other key tools such as digital monitoring platforms and bio-based formulations, to reduce ecological disturbance while optimizing productivity.
EUROPE CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
In the Europe crop protection chemicals market matrix, BASF SE (Star) leads, leveraging its innovative chemical, microbial, and biochemical solutions to capture significant market share across key agricultural regions. Nufarm (Emerging Leader) is also emerging as a strong player, fueled by strategic acquisitions that position it to challenge established players with high-performance crop protection solutions.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- BASF SE (Germany)
- Bayer AG (Germany)
- Syngenta (Switzerland)
- FMC Corporation (US)
- Novonesis Group (Denmark)
- Koppert (Netherlands)
- BioFirst Group (Belgium)
- UPL (India)
- Nufarm (Australia)
- Corteva (US)
- American Vanguard Corporation (US)
- Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd (Japan)
- PI Industries (India)
- Gowan Company (US)
- Albaugh LLC (US)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2024 (Value) | USD 20.20 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 (Value) | USD 27.51 Billion |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 5.3% from 2025-2030 |
| Years Considered | 2020-2030 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2030 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million/Billion), Volume (KT) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments Covered |
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| Countries Covered | France, Germany, Spain, Italy, UK, Netherlands, Rest of Europe |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: EUROPE CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS MARKET REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
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| Europe-based crop protection chemicals Manufacturers |
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| Europe crop protection chemicals Innovators |
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| Europe crop protection chemicals Distributor |
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- December 2024 : Koppert and Amoéba, a Greentech company specializing in microbiological solutions, announced a partnership to introduce AXPERA, an innovative biofungicide. Based on Amoéba's patented amoeba lysate technology, AXPERA is designed to combat fungal diseases effectively.
- April 2024 : Bayer signed an agreement with UK-based AlphaBio Control for a new biological insecticide. This strategic move should strengthen Bayer's product portfolio.
- November 2022 : Bayer acquired Targenomix, a German biotech startup, to strengthen the company’s R&D pipeline for the discovery of innovative crop protection chemicals.
- September 2022 : Syngenta Seedcare and Bioceres Crop Solutions collaborated to introduce innovative biological seed treatments to the market.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the europe crop protection chemicals 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 europe crop protection chemicals 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 europe crop protection chemicals 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 europe crop protection chemicals 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 to mode of application, crop type, type, form, origin, and region.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market Size Estimation
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the europe crop protection chemicals 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 the europe crop protection chemicals 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.
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 europe crop protection chemicals 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
According to FAO, a crop protection chemical means a pesticide product intended to prevent, destroy, or control any pest causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport /or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, and wood and wood products.
Europe crop protection chemicals are used to protect crops from diseases, pests, and unwanted weeds & grasses, ultimately resulting in better yield. These chemicals include fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and other such chemicals that can either be synthetically or naturally produced. Europe crop protection chemicals are preferred over seed treatment chemicals and genetically modified (GM) crops because of their high effectiveness and easy application. Europe crop protection chemicals can be used in liquid or solid form and are widely applied to cereals & oilseeds and fruits & vegetables. They are mainly applied through seed treatment, soil treatment, and foliar spray.
Key Stakeholders
- Crop protection chemical manufacturers
- Crop protection chemical importers and exporters
- Crop protection chemical traders, distributors and suppliers
- Pesticides manufacturers
- Research institutes and organizations
- Government bodies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
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Regulatory Bodies
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- European Crop Protection Agency (ECPA)
- Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association (PMFAI)
- China Crop Protection Industry Association (CCPIA)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
- US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
- Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
- European Food Safety Authority
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Department Of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
- Directorate Of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage
- Commercial Research & Development (R&D) Institutions and Financial Institutions
Report Objectives
Market Intelligence
- To determine and project the size of the europe crop protection chemicals market with respect to the mode of application, type, form, origin, crop type, 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 europe crop protection chemicals 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 europe crop protection chemicals 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 Belgium, Luxemburg, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Asia Pacific into New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Oceania (tropical Pacific islands), and South Korea.
- Further breakdown of the Rest of South America into Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
Company Information
- Detailed analyses and profiling of additional market players (up to five)
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Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market