TOP TEN: Kynetec Shares Insight into Global Biopesticide Crop Protection Data

As biological crop protection products teeter from use almost exclusively in specialty crops, to gateway entry into the mainstream, Kynetec shares: where and what are biopesticide crop protection products being embraced by farmers around the world? Compiling data of the ″top tens″, is insightful, perhaps surprising and demonstrates the potential of the biopesticides market.

Kynetec uses insights from over 100,000 farmers across 29 countries (Brazil, USA, EMEA), to list the top ten countries, crops and products that shaped the biopesticide crop protection market in 2023. 

Spend: Which Top Ten Markets Lead the Way? 

As farmers focus on efficacy and so use a combination approach of conventional and biopesticide crop protection, spend in biopesticides is increasing. In 2023, the ten biggest spending markets on biopesticide crop protection reveal a diverse and growing commitment to effective - and sustainable - agricultural practice.

Brazil leads the global biopesticide market with a turnover of ~US$850 million. The country's extensive production of crops such as soybeans, sugarcane, and coffee, drives the demand for effective and sustainable pest management solutions, as pest challenge remains high. Brazil's further emphasis on biodiversity and sustainability fosters a robust market for biopesticide products, not least because of their efficacy on-farm. 

In the USA, the second-largest market with a turnover of ~US$250 million. Specialty crops lead the way although there is some traction for use in row crops. 

France and Italy, with turnovers of ~US$110 million and ~US$50 million respectively, highlight the European commitment to reducing conventional pesticide use and promoting sustainable farming – although efficacy is the key motivator in the use of such products, particularly in vine and horticulture. Both countries prioritize sustainability, with policies encouraging the use of natural pest control methods.

Germany’s turnover of ~US$30 million, in the 5th place, focuses on integrating biopesticide crop protection alongside conventional practices, particularly in high-value crops like fruits and vegetables. 

Similarly, Russia (~US$30 million) and Ukraine (~US$10million) are increasingly investing in biopesticide solutions to enhance yields and quality while mitigating the environmental impact of conventional pesticides.

Poland (~US$7 million), Romania (~US$5 million), and the Czech Republic (~US$4 million) are emerging biopesticide markets. 

Overall, the investment trends in these ten markets reflect a global shift towards effective, sustainable agriculture, both in terms of crop protection resistance, and consumer demand. The increasing expenditure on biopesticide crop protection underscores a collective effort to increase sustainability in the sector, while still meeting the yield demands of the global supply chain.

Top Ten: Crops Treated with Biopesticide Crop Protection Products 

Which crops, included in the Kynetec’s FarmTrak farmer panels, benefit from biopesticide crop protection across the globe? The results may surprise you. 

In 2023, the most extensively treated crop was soybeans with ~US$450 million invested in biopesticide crop protection covering ~85 million ha. This reflects the crop's crucial role in global agriculture and the need for sustainable pest management solutions to maintain high yields and quality in the face of pest and disease challenge.

Corn also sees substantial global investment in the second place, with ~US$225 million spent on biopesticide protection for ~27 million ha. As a major staple crop used for human and animal feed, as well as in biogas production, corn benefits from reduced pest resistance via biopesticide crop protection.

Vine, accounting for ~US$160 million over ~3 million ha, relies heavily on biopesticide control methods to protect grapes from various pests and diseases. In some European markets, we see a nearly 100% penetration rate of biopesticide use within vine production.

Tree fruits, with ~US$130 million allocated for ~1.5 million ha demonstrate a significant focus on sustainability. Biopesticide treatments help manage pests in apples, pears, and other tree fruits, ensuring high quality produce while minimizing chemical residues.

Sugarcane (Brazil only) is in the 5th place, with ~US$120 million spent on biopesticide protection for ~10 million ha. The use of biocontrol agents helps manage pests like the sugarcane borer, which can significantly impact yield and sugar content.

Vegetables receive ~US$60 million in biopesticide crop protection across ~2 million ha, and tropical fruits, treated with ~US$40 million over ~800,000 ha. 

Cereals, despite the vast hectarage planted worldwide, cereals lie in the 8th place with an investment of ~US$40 million for ~7 million ha. This indicates that spend per ha is not that high in comparison to other crops. 

Cotton, with ~US$25 million spent on biopesticide crop protection for ~2 million ha, biopesticide solutions help manage pests like the cotton bollworm, which can significantly damage crops.

Finally, coffee accounts for ~US$15 million in biopesticide protection across ~568,000 ha. 

Market Value Rating: Biological Crop Protection Products

Biological crop protection products tend to focus on targeting specific pests, or fungi. The biologicals toolbox is lacking in effective herbicides, which, upon invention, will open up the conventional cereals market and the vast hectarage associated with it.

Insecticides represent the largest segment of the biological crop protection market, with ~US$525 million in turnover, accounting for 39% of the total market spend. These products utilize natural predators, parasitoids, and entomopathogenic fungi to control insect pests, reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals and mitigating pest resistance. 

Nematicides follow with ~US$275 million in turnover, making up 20% of the market. Biological nematicides use beneficial microorganisms and natural compounds to target nematode pests – often seen in soybean - that affect root systems and overall plant health. 

Fungicides, with ~US$230 million in turnover (17%), are the third biggest category. Biological fungicides often consist of beneficial fungi and bacteria that combat pathogenic fungi, preventing diseases such as powdery mildew, blight, and rust.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) represent ~US$55 million and the 4th in our top ten, accounting for 4% of the market. Biological PGRs include hormones and natural extracts that influence plant growth and development, enhancing yield and quality. These products optimise plant performance in a sustainable manner.

Seed treatments, with ~US$45 million in turnover (4%), involve applying biological agents to seeds before planting. Adjuvants make up ~US$30 million (2%) of the market. 

Herbicides represent a smaller segment, with ~US$25 million in turnover (2%). Biological herbicides use natural compounds and microorganisms to control weeds, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides and reducing environmental impact.

What Next? 

This top ten data comes direct from BioLogika, Kynetec’s interactive dashboard based on insights from over 100,000 farmers across 29 countries. A treasure trove for R&D, sales and marketing teams, and agribusiness leaders, if you’re looking for the latest data and analytics that surrounds the biopesticide crop protection market, our website is a great place to start.

What does Kynetec expect to see over the coming few years in Biologicals? Certainly, continued market growth, an increase in mergers and acquisitions, increasing adoption by farmers, and further regulation of both biological and conventional crop protection practices, focusing on sustainability.

About the author

Jordan is a senior director at Kynetec and has held different roles across the 17 years at Kynetec. He currently leads the global sustainability practice at Kynetec.  

jordan.le.roux@kynetec.com

This article was originally published in AgroPages magazine 2024 Biologicals Special.