The global agricultural biologicals market size was estimated at USD 9.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 16.8 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030. This steady growth trajectory reflects the increasing shift of the agricultural sector toward sustainable and eco-friendly inputs. One of the primary factors driving market expansion is the rising consumer demand for organically cultivated food products, which has encouraged farmers to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. Agricultural biologicals, commonly referred to as biologics, are derived from natural sources such as microorganisms, plant extracts, and beneficial insects, and are used extensively for both crop protection and crop production. These products play a crucial role in protecting plants against pests, diseases, and environmental stress while also enhancing soil health and crop productivity. As modern agricultural practices evolve, biological solutions are becoming integral to integrated pest management and sustainable farming systems. Farming communities across various regions have increasingly adopted agricultural biologicals to improve yields, maintain environmental balance, and support long-term agricultural sustainability.
The U.S. ranks among the top consumers of agricultural biologicals globally, largely due to the growing preference for environmentally friendly and safer crop protection alternatives. Farmers and agribusinesses in the country are increasingly adopting biological solutions to comply with stringent environmental standards and to meet consumer expectations for sustainably produced food. Regulatory bodies in the U.S. have taken a proactive role by streamlining approval processes and updating regulatory frameworks to improve market access for biological products. This supportive regulatory environment has encouraged innovation and accelerated commercialization. Furthermore, the increasing number of collaborations focused on research and the development of novel products is expected to further stimulate market growth. For instance, in April 2023, Syngenta and Biotalys announced a strategic alliance aimed at advancing biological innovation in sustainable agriculture. Through this partnership, Biotalys’ proprietary AGROBODY technology will be utilized to develop a new solution with a unique mode of action. This innovation is expected to help farmers effectively manage pest resistance while simultaneously promoting sustainable farming practices by expanding access to next-generation agricultural technologies.
The primary strategies adopted by industry participants include increased investments in research and development to enhance product efficacy and broaden application areas, along with a strategic focus on emerging markets that offer strong growth potential. Although the agricultural biologicals sector is still at a relatively early stage of development, it has demonstrated significant innovation momentum. Merger and acquisition activity within the market remains moderate; however, there has been a notable rise in product approvals and investments in bio-based ingredients. These developments are likely to intensify competition in the coming years as more players enter the market with differentiated and advanced biological solutions.
Key Market Trends & Insights:
- North America led the agricultural biologicals market in 2023 and held a major share of over 36.2%. The strong market performance in this region can be attributed to the presence of leading agricultural product manufacturers, most of which are headquartered in the U.S. Additionally, continuous advancements in agricultural practices, coupled with a high level of awareness regarding sustainable farming, have supported widespread adoption of biological products.
- The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the agricultural biologicals market during the forecast period. This rapid expansion is driven by the presence of several agrarian economies such as India, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines. These countries are increasingly embracing sustainable farming practices to improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure food security for growing populations.
- By crop type, the cereals & grains segment dominated the market with a share of 37.23% in 2023. This dominance is largely due to the consistently rising global demand for staple crops including wheat, rice, corn, barley, and millet, which necessitates efficient and sustainable crop protection and yield enhancement solutions.
- By product category, biopesticides accounted for the largest share of over 56.7% in 2023. The growing adoption of biopesticides is attributed to their versatility and effectiveness when applied to soil, foliage, and lawns. Their widespread use is particularly prominent in North America and Europe, where regulatory pressure on chemical pesticides is high.
- By application method, the foliar spray segment accounted for the maximum market share of over 64.3% in 2023. This is due to the ease of application, rapid absorption by plants, and effectiveness of foliar sprays in delivering biological agents directly to target areas.
Order a free sample PDF of the Agricultural Biologicals Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.
Market Size & Forecast:
- 2023 Market Size: USD 9.9 Billion
- 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 16.8 Billion
- CAGR (2024-2030): 7.2%
- North America: Largest market in 2023
- Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market
Key Companies & Market Share Insights:
Several prominent players are actively operating in the agricultural biologicals market, including Agricen; CBF China Bio-Fertilizer AG; Novozymes A/S; and Biomax. These companies contribute significantly to market growth through continuous innovation and global expansion strategies.
- Novozymes A/S is a global biotechnology company focused on the research, development, and production of industrial microorganisms, enzymes, and biopharmaceutical components. With operations across regions such as India, Brazil, China, Argentina, the U.K., the U.S., and Canada, the company maintains a strong international footprint and plays a key role in advancing biological solutions for agriculture.
- Agricen specializes in the development of innovative, biochemical-based technologies designed to improve plant health, quality, and yield. Its solutions are applied across agricultural as well as turf and ornamental plant sectors, enabling nursery operators, turf managers, and landscapers to enhance plant performance while maximizing fertilizer efficiency.
Emerging participants in the agricultural biologicals market include Mapleton Agri Biotec; Rizobacter Argentina SA; Lallemand Inc.; and Sigma Agri-Science, LLC. These companies are increasingly gaining traction by offering specialized and region-specific biological solutions.
- Mapleton Agri Biotec provides a focused portfolio of high-quality agricultural products developed through comprehensive in-house research and testing. These products are designed to improve crop yields across diverse farming systems and are suitable for both conventional and organic farming, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Lallemand Inc. is a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of bacteria, yeast, and their derivatives. Its microbial solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including nutrition, human and animal health, winemaking, baking, brewing, food production, probiotics, and biofuels, reinforcing its strong position in the broader biologicals ecosystem.
Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the agricultural biologicals market is experiencing robust growth driven by the increasing emphasis on sustainable farming and rising demand for organic food products. Supportive regulatory frameworks, particularly in developed regions such as North America, are accelerating product adoption and encouraging innovation. Ongoing investments in research and development, along with strategic collaborations, are enabling the introduction of advanced biological solutions with improved efficacy. Meanwhile, emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region present significant growth opportunities due to expanding agrarian activities and greater awareness of eco-friendly inputs. Overall, the market is poised for steady expansion as biologicals become an integral component of modern and environmentally responsible agriculture.