Biocontrol Agents Market

Biocontrol Agents Market Size

The global biocontrol agents market was estimated at USD 6 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 7 billion in 2025 to USD 26.4 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 15.9%. Biocontrol agents are defined as an organism that is responsible for the management of diseases and pests within agriculture, forestry and other areas. In contrast to synthetic pesticides, biocontrol agents make use of biological relations and ecological processes to manage or control the populating of undesired species. The sustained growth in demand – for this type of segment is fueled by the post – market trend of international organic production.

Biological control agents present a mitigation measure that is eco-friendly and stands out as an alternative to chemical pesticides as they are less hazardous to the environment, help in minimizing the development of resistance in the pests and fit into integrated pest control systems. What may not be uniform in their effectiveness, however, are the environmental factors and the pest/ pathogen variant. One of the primary reasons for the spike in demand for biocontrol agents in agriculture is the increasing concern towards environmental breakdown. The harmful effects of chemical pesticides are getting widely accepted, especially their effects on ecosystems, biodiversity and people’s health. There is a heightened demand among consumers who care more about the methods used in food production for products grown with ecologically sound methods.

Biocontrol agents provide an alternative because they can destroy the pests with minimum damage to the beneficial species and with little poisonous chemicals left in the environment. Farmers looking for viable possibilities to sustain agricultural productivity are becoming increasingly responsive to the use of control agents because of their high selectivity, durability, and compatibility with integrated pest control approaches. The trend toward the adoption of biocontrol agents indicates greater public interest in environmentally sustainable agriculture. As a result, greater concern in aspects of the environment and sustainability issues will enhance the demand for biocontrol agents all over the globe.

Biocontrol Agents Market Trends

• Increasing market opportunities for sustainable agriculture: Growing adoption of sustainability in agricultural practices is a significant factor motivating the market for biocontrol agents. Farmers are attempting to reduce environmental damage while meeting growing societal needs. Insect biopesticides, along with other organic compounds such as bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, provide sustainable alternatives farming, particularly in Europe and North America, where there is a ban on pesticides and biocontrol products have become popular. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the adoption of biocontrol agents has increased by 15% annually in the United States over the past five years. Moreover, the European Commission reports that 25% of agricultural land in the European Union is now managed under organic farming practices, further driving the demand for biocontrol agents. Moreover, the current trend in farming that focuses on restoration is causing farmers to adopt biocontrol agents. These agents are used in integrated pest management (IPM) systems that reduce pest populations and improve soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable productivity of agriculture in the long run.
  
• Technological advancements in biocontrol products: The growing adoption of sustainability practices is one of the primary drivers of biocontrol agents market. Farmers have an increasing social obligation, and they are trying to do the least amount of damage to the environment. Plant insect biopesticides, along with other organic compounds like bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, have become reasonable alternatives for farming in Europe and North America, who have banned some chemical pesticides and where biocontrol products are becoming more popular. The European Commission states that the Farm to Fork Strategy aims to cut the use of chemical pesticides by 50% by the year 2030. This also increases the usage of biocontrol agents. Likewise, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that over seventy percent of American farms. farms adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in 2022, which emphasize the use of biocontrol agents to minimize environmental impact. Moreover, the current trend in farming that focuses on restoration is causing farmers to adopt biocontrol agents. These agents are used in IPM systems that reduce pest populations and improve soil health, biodiversity, and the sustainable productivity of agriculture in the long run.
  

Biocontrol Agents Market Analysis

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On the basis of active substance, the market is segmented into microbials, macro-organisms and bio-chemicals. The global biocontrol agents market held USD 6 billion in 2024. The microbials segment held USD 3.6 billion in 2024.

• The first category contains microbials consisting of helpful microorganisms like the bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes which are increasingly important against certain pests because of the selective and environmentally friendly nature.
  
• The rise in the use of biocontrol agents can be attributed to the technological revolution and its application in agriculture. This progress will be boosted by the increased adoption of green technologies and precision farming for which the use of biocontrol agents is advocated to deal with pest issues in agriculture. The technological advancements will result in the production of biocontrol agents which will indeed supersede the organic ones.
  

On the basis of crop, the biocontrol agents market is segmented into fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains, pulses, and others. The fruits and vegetables segment held USD 2.6 billion in 2024. When it comes to the agricultural sector and diverse crops, the market for biocontrol agents is further partitioned into subsectors. A large part of this segment is made up of fruits and vegetables which, because of their growing preference among people, are now being sold with the help of biocontrol agents so that the crops are not affected by pests or diseases that could render them unfit for human consumption. Cereal and grains also form a substantial part of the market segment, as the application of biocontrol agents in the crop is very favorable in encouraging sustainable pest management practices in the production of staple foods.

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The biocontrol agents market is divided into seed treatment, on-field, and post-harvest. Seed treatment segment held USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 16.7% of CAGR during the forecast period. Seed treatment segment held 34.7% of share in 2024.

• There is a strategic segmentation in the market of biocontrol agents concerning the manner of application of these agents at different agricultural circles. Seed treatment is undoubtedly one of the important segments where biocontrol agents are bound to the seeds before planting them. This method ensures that the chances of most pests and ailments emerge as problems are dealt with before they turn into issues, making certain that the seeds will develop into robust plants.
  
• Another significant market is on-field treatment which incorporates the use of biocontrol agents during the growing season of the plants. The aim is to protect the crops and their growth from damage, while simultaneously minimizing the application of pesticides and negative ecological impact.
  

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The biocontrol agents market is dominated by Europe, which was valued at USD 2 billion of total revenue in 2024.

• The European Union and sustainable farming in Europe greatly contributed to biocontrol having the largest market in Europe. The European Green Deal aims to lower pesticide usage by 50% and increase organic farming to 25% by 2030 as one component of its Farm to Fork Strategy. These policies have brought about a significant increase in the usage of biocontrol agents. In addition, some EU members implemented national action plans that support integrated pest management (IPM) along with biological alternatives.
  
• The adoption of biocontrol is spearheaded by France, Germany, and the Netherlands due to their well-developed organic farming industry and government backing. Biocontrol companies and research institutions in Europe work together to bring innovative ideas in the form of biopesticides and microbial solutions which increases the growth rate of the market. Along with this, awareness, and demand from consumers for food with no pesticide residues is pushing supermarkets and food procurement companies to encourage farmers to use biocontrol products, thus maintaining Europe’s top position in environmentally friendly pest control.
  

Biocontrol Agents Market Share

Top 5 companies include Andermatt Biocontrol, Basf, Biobest, Bioworks, and Cbc. The market for biocontrol agents is dominated by competing agrochemical companies and niche biocontrol businesses, resulting in intense fragmentation. Such competition includes Andermatt Biocontrol, Biobest, and BioWorks while, Nufarm, Certis, and CBC are newcomers in the field. Besides inherited brand equity, these companies are able to operate in a constantly varying market due to their relentless product development, acquisitions, and international diversification.

Andermatt Biocontrol has a significant market share in Europe and North America, where the adoption of organic farming is on the rise. The company is well known for focused biocontrol agents that include beneficial insects and fungal formulations. Andermatt Biocontrol’s dedication towards R&D and cooperative approaches with agricultural colleges guarantees a constant supply of new and innovative products.

As a globally recognized leader in agriculture, BASF strategically develops its biocontrol product portfolio through acquisitions and collaborations. Because of its impressive R&D capabilities, BASF develops advanced microorganisms and plant biocontrols. Furthermore, their investment in precision agriculture and integrated pest management (IPM) further enhances the firm's competitive edge. Finally, BASF's widespread global presence enables the company to utilize its strong distribution networks and market the products extensively.

Biocontrol Agents Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the industry include:

• Andermatt Biocontrol
• Basf
• Biobest
• Bioworks
• Cbc
• Certis
• Cropscience Bayer
• Isagro
• Koppert Biological Systems
• Marrone Bio Innovations
• Novozymes
• Nufarm
• Syngenta
• Valent Bioscience
  

Biobest is a specialist company which focuses on the application of biological insect pest control using beneficial insects and mites for the protection of greenhouse and field crops. The company has made strides in developing biological pollination systems which further enhance its standing in the market. Biobest's advancement in other geographic areas and innovation in biocontrol technologies is aiding in the increase of its market share.

BioWorks is one of the most prominent firms providing effective biological disease control products with special emphasis on green products. She has established herself as a reputable stakeholder in organic and sustainable agriculture due to her competency in microbial-based biopesticides and plant health products. The customer-oriented strategies and prominent level of service support offered by BioWorks have helped the company nurture a loyal clientele.

CBC is the main player in biocontrol with an established reputation in integrated pest management. Its range of products includes Insecticides, nematicides and biopesticides which form a complete pest control set. The collaboration between CBC and other research institutions and continuous product development improved its market activity.

Subsidiary of Mitsui & Co, Certis holds a prominent position in microbicide solutions in Europe and North America. Their product selection is broad, containing microbial pesticides, plant extracts, and beneficial insects. Their positive reputation in the market is enhanced by their focus on sustainability and compliance. Moreover, Certis has broadened its market reach and product offering through acquisitions of other complementary firms.

Biocontrol Agents Industry News

• In July 2023: The acquisition of Verdesian Life Sciences, a biocontrol agents and natural pest control solutions manufacturer from the USA, strengthened the biocontrol portfolio of BASF.
  
• In May 2022: Syngenta AG based in Switzerland has been able to extend its biocontrol agents portfolio in Italy by acquiring Valagro, an Italian biocontrol agents solutions company. This acquisition has also enabled Syngenta in further positioning in the Italy governed firm growing biocontrol agents market.
  
• In September 2023: Bayer AG has developed and implemented BioAct with the aim of encouraging farmers to trust and use biocontrol techniques more. Part of the BioAct was to improve connectivity between farmers and suppliers of advanced biocontrol agents and other environmentally friendly crop protection products thus improving farmers interaction with these products.
  
• In June 2024, Andermatt Biocontrol Ltd. fortified its presence in the EU by launching a new series of microbial biocontrol agents aimed at major agricultural pests.
  

The biocontrol agents market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in (USD Billion) & Volume in (Kilo Tons) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Active Substance

• Microbials
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Virus
  • Protozoa
  • Yeast
  • Others
• Macro-organisms
  • Insects
  • Mites
  • Nematodes
  • Others
• Bio-chemicals
  • Semio-chemicals
  • Plant extracts
  • Plant growth regulators
  • Organic acids
  • Minerals

Market, By Crop

• Fruits and vegetables
• Cereals & grains
• Pulses
• Others

Market, By Application

• Seed treatment
• On-Field
• Post-harvest

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE