The adoption of biological crop solutions among U.S. row crop farmers has seen a notable increase of 8% over the past two years, according to a recent study by the research and consulting firm Stratovation Group. This study, titled “Ag Biologicals: Revisiting Farmer Value, Perception and Potential,” builds on the firm’s 2022 baseline research and delves into farmer sentiment regarding the agricultural biologicals market. The findings indicate a growing awareness among farmers, with 87% now familiar with the term “biologicals,” up from 83% in 2022. The awareness of specific subcategories, such as biostimulants and biofertilizers, has also surged by 14%.
The report, which was produced in collaboration with The Fertilizer Institute, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and DCLRS, reveals that nearly half (45%) of U.S. row crop producers currently purchase or use agricultural biological products, a significant rise from 37% just two years prior. Farmers who have integrated biologicals into their practices are reporting positive outcomes; 85% cite increased yield as a primary measure of success, while 45% highlight profitability as another key benefit.
The recent 2024 Salinas Biologicals Summit underscored the urgency of transitioning to biological crop solutions, particularly as traditional synthetic crop protection products are becoming less available. Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, emphasized the critical need for biologicals, stating, “We’re losing synthetic products at a pretty rapid rate now. That’s what biologicals represent to us: it’s a huge, looming potential set of solutions that we have to realize.” The urgency is further amplified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent emergency order to halt the use of the weedkiller dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), underscoring the shifting landscape of agricultural inputs.
Stratovation Group CEO Cam Camfield noted that farmers applying biologicals to crops like corn and soybeans consistently view these natural inputs as sustainable tools that enhance yields, profitability, and soil health. “Biologicals are currently on a steep upward trajectory,” he remarked, reflecting the growing recognition of their potential benefits.
However, the study also highlights a critical gap in knowledge that could hinder broader adoption. Camfield pointed out the necessity for “additional education” to unlock the full potential of agricultural biologicals. Despite the increasing awareness, many farmers remain hesitant to adopt these solutions without clear evidence of profitability. Education emerged as a recurring theme at the Salinas summit, where experts like Dr. Pam Marrone stressed that a significant portion of growers still lack knowledge about biologicals. “We have not gotten past this half of growers who don’t know about biologicals despite all the things we’re doing in education,” she noted, emphasizing the need for more targeted outreach.
The findings from Stratovation Group suggest that while the adoption of agricultural biologicals is on the rise, the path forward involves addressing educational barriers. To maximize the potential of biologicals, companies in this sector must prioritize sharing performance results with influential farmers, crop advisors, and agronomists. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, the successful integration of biological solutions may well depend on overcoming these educational challenges and demonstrating their economic viability to a broader audience of farmers.