The market for ‘green’ crop protection products is rapidly expanding, driven by the demand for effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Farmers are increasingly turning to natural products that provide similar efficacy to conventional pesticides, but with fewer negative impacts on human health and the environment. Biofungicides, in particular, offer a promising alternative for controlling diseases in crops.
One company at the forefront of this movement is UK-based Eden, which has recently released Mevalone, a biofungicide designed to treat and prevent fungal diseases such as Botrytis and mildew. Mevalone utilizes a controlled release pattern of multiple terpene active ingredients, ensuring effective and long-lasting protection. It has demonstrated comparable control to established products in both registration trials and commercial applications.
Another innovative product from Eden is Ecovelex, a seed treatment that repels bird consumption through an unpleasant odor and taste. Like Mevalone, Ecovelex utilizes a unique capsule suspension formulation, providing effective and targeted protection for grain seeds.
What sets these ‘green’ products apart is their exemption from maximum residue limits, allowing them to be sprayed on produce up until the point of harvest. This not only helps control disease during the most susceptible stages but also extends the shelf life of produce, reducing food waste due to rot during storage.
Furthermore, many ‘green’ products and their active ingredients are permitted for use in organic agriculture, making them an attractive option for farmers seeking organic certification. Mevalone and Cedroz, Eden’s nematicide, hold organic certification in Europe, allowing produce sprayed with these products to be sold as organic on supermarket shelves.
The return on investment for these biopesticides can vary depending on various factors such as previous product usage, cost differences, growing conditions, and crop-specific factors. However, the demand for these products is evident, as Eden’s crop protection products are sold globally, with Mevalone and Cedroz having the widest market distribution.
Looking ahead, the outlook for bioproducts is promising. Driven by increased return on investment, restrictions on chemical pesticides, and the need for effective pesticide resistance and residue management, bioproducts now comprise about 10% of the global pesticide market. Investment in innovative startups is also on the rise, with new technologies such as RNAi, sterile pollen, and systemic metabolites expected to impact the market in the next decade.
As the agricultural industry continues to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship, the demand for ‘green’ crop protection products is only expected to grow. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of using natural products that not only protect their crops but also promote human health, preserve beneficial insects, and reduce negative environmental impacts. With ongoing research and development efforts, the efficacy and availability of these products will continue to improve, paving the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture.