Use of biologicals to be studied by Stratovation in collaboration with ag retailers ASSN, TFI, DCLRS

"Biologicals: Farmer Value, Perception and Potential," a comprehensive market research effort focused on understanding farmer opinions on the current use, issues and potential for biologicals at field-level was launched by Stratovation Group in close collaboration with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), DC Legislative and Regulatory Services (DCLRS) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI).

"Most available research reports on biologicals focus on macroeconomic trends, but lack the farmer voice," explained Cam Camfield, Founder and CEO of Stratovation Group in announcing the massive effort. "In contrast, this will be a farmer-centric study. Farmers are the center of our world and it's time for the market to listen to them more - to understand the good, the bad and the ugly at field-level."

"Biologicals: Farmer Value, Perception and Potential" is set to kick off in 2022 and occur annually. Conducted with the support of industry participants, the repeating study will benchmark adoption and attitudes around farm use of biologicals and aid those seeking to grow and develop the market category.

"Biological pesticides, fertilizers and stimulants are playing an increasingly important part in the on-farm agronomy package," said Daren Coppock, ARA President and CEO. "There is a dizzying array of these products available in the marketplace today and this survey should provide valuable information on how farmers are viewing bioproducts and how retailers can help farmers evaluate and deploy them effectively."

"Staying in tune with production practices related to nutrients, soil health and water use is key to being effective in guiding legislative and regulatory issues," said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. "This study will help us better understand grower perceptions and in turn, help us inform elected officials."

"Ag biological products are a significant business interest for many DCLRS clients and are increasingly drawing attention from governments at both Federal and states levels--our collaboration on this study will help bring commercial interests and government into better alignment," said David Beaudreau, DCLRS Senior Vice President.

While there are other reports that may help in broad trend analysis, Camfield said, they lack details needed to identify the opportunities, challenges, and other key factors growers consider when including biologicals in their crop nutrition and protection plans.

"The results of this study will help biological companies, their product teams, and their marketers better understand the demographics, psychographics, geographics, and perceptions of farmers using biologicals," he said. "In serving other biological companies, we kept hearing the same questions and realized this sort of research didn't exist in the market. It only made sense that we'd serve this need and we're grateful for the partnership with these incredible organizations."

Camfield said those interested in joining the effort to produce the "Biologicals: Farmer Value, Perception and Potential" annual report can become a sponsoring partner and share in all the findings, including the raw data.

"We're inviting any biological focused company, startup, investor and others to join us," he said. "Better data informs better plans and tactics, which drives better results for your organization. And more input at the front end is likely to help us get better data throughout."