Biological Control Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 4.01 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 5.62 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 6.99% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Biological Control Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The biological control market size is valued at USD 4.01 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.62 billion by 2030, reflecting a 6.99% CAGR over the forecast period. Cost-effective microbial platforms, automation in insect rearing, and mounting regulatory pressure against conventional pesticides are accelerating adoption across major crop systems. Asia-Pacific drives global demand through expansive government subsidy programs, while Africa’s aggressive food-security initiatives anchor the fastest growth outlook. Rapid pest resistance to synthetic chemistries and rising consumer preference for certified-organic produce continue to expand addressable acreage. Meanwhile, fermentation innovation and longer shelf-life formulations are narrowing historical performance gaps with chemical alternatives, strengthening the competitive position of biological inputs.
Key Report Takeaways
- By form, macrobials led with 97.7% revenue share of the biological control market in 2024; microbials are forecast to expand at an 8.74% CAGR through 2030.
- By crop type, row crops accounted for 76.8% share of the biological control market size in 2024, while horticultural crops are advancing at an 8.22% CAGR to 2030.
- By region, Asia-Pacific held 67.2% of the biological control market share in 2024, whereas Africa records the highest projected CAGR at 10.56% through 2030.
- The biological control market exhibits a highly fragmented structure, with the top five players accounting for a relatively small portion of the market share.
Global Biological Control Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stringent bans on high-toxicity synthetic pesticides | +1.8% | European Union, North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rising global demand for certified-organic produce | +1.5% | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific cities | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Accelerating pest resistance to conventional chemistries | +1.2% | Global intensive farming regions | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Government subsidies for integrated pest management (IPM) adoption and biological inputs | +1.0% | European Union, India, Brazil, select United States states | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Insect-rearing automation cutting macrobial production costs | +0.8% | North America, Europe, advanced Asia-Pacific markets | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Breakthrough predatory bacterial platforms targeting phytopathogens | +0.6% | Global greenhouse horticulture | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Stringent bans on high-toxicity synthetic pesticides
Regulators continue to phase out high-risk chemistries, catalyzing immediate substitution opportunities for biological solutions. The European Union Farm-to-Fork Strategy mandates a 50% cut in chemical pesticide use by 2030, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled more than 40 active ingredients since 2024[1]Source: Environmental Protection Agency, “Biopesticide Registration,” epa.gov. Brazil and India issued parallel restrictions in 2024, increasing near-term acreage available for biocontrol adoption. These policy moves encourage manufacturers to accelerate product launches and spur farmers to recalibrate crop-protection programs toward IPM frameworks.
Rising global demand for certified-organic produce
Global organic food sales climbed to USD 134 billion in 2024, with annual growth above 8% in the United States, Germany, and China.[2]Source: United States Department of Agriculture, “Organic Agriculture,” usda.gov Supermarkets enforce residue-free supplier policies, pushing growers to adopt biological inputs that preserve certification. Premium farm-gate prices, typically 20-40% above conventional produce, offset higher biological agent costs and facilitate deeper penetration in high-value horticulture.
Accelerating pest resistance to conventional chemistries
More than 750 arthropod species now carry resistance to at least one pesticide class, intensifying yield risk and compliance costs for growers.[3]Source: World Health Organization, “Pesticides,” who.int Biocontrol agents provide novel modes of action with lower resistance pressure, strengthening their role in rotation programs. Integrated strategies mixing macro- and microbials with reduced-dose synthetics preserve chemistry life cycles and stabilize farmer economics.
Government subsidies for IPM adoption and biological inputs
Public funding lowers cost barriers and speeds technology transfer. The common agricultural policy (CAP) allocated EUR 2.8 billion (USD 3.0 billion) to IPM incentives, covering up to 70% of biological purchases in Europe. India’s National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture reimburses 75% of biocontrol costs, while select United States states offer tax credits on organic inputs. These programs pair financial aid with on-farm training, improving application success.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short commercial shelf-life for many living products | -0.9% | Global, severe in tropical zones | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Protracted multi-agency registration timelines | -0.7% | Global, acute in emerging markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Limited sterile fermentation capacity for next-generation microbials | -0.5% | North America, Europe, advanced Asia-Pacific | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Micro-climate-driven efficacy variability undermining farmer confidence | -0.4% | Regions with erratic weather | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Short commercial shelf-life for many living products
Most macrobial biocontrol agents maintain viability for only 2-4 weeks even under refrigerated conditions, necessitating expensive cold-chain logistics systems and significantly restricting market penetration in regions experiencing unreliable electricity supply. While recent technological advances in encapsulation methods and cryoprotectant formulations have demonstrated the potential to double product shelf-life in pilot studies, these improvements still fall considerably short of matching the multi-year stability achieved by synthetic chemical alternatives.
Protracted multi-agency registration timelines
Multi-jurisdictional regulatory reviews conducted across environmental protection and agricultural ministries typically extend product approval cycles to between 3-7 years and incur costs exceeding USD 2 million per biocontrol product. This substantial regulatory burden creates significant barriers for small biotechnology companies entering the market and delays the widespread adoption of new biological control mechanisms.
Segment Analysis
By Form: Macrobials Retain Commanding Lead While Microbials Accelerate
Macrobials maintained their commanding 97.7% market share of the biological control market in 2024, reflecting decades of commercial development in beneficial insect production and established distribution networks that serve agricultural markets worldwide. The segment's dominance stems from proven efficacy in field applications and farmer familiarity with release protocols for predatory insects and parasitoids. Entomopathogenic nematodes represent the largest macrobial category, particularly effective against soil-dwelling pests in row crop systems. At the same time, predators and parasitoids excel in greenhouse environments where environmental conditions can be controlled.
Microbials are emerging as the growth engine with an 8.74% forecast CAGR through 2030. The shift toward microbials reflects technological advances in fermentation processes and formulation stability that are addressing historical limitations of bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents. Recent regulatory approvals for multi-strain microbial products are expanding application possibilities, particularly in high-value horticultural crops, where precision application justifies premium pricing. Other microbials, including viral and protozoan agents, remain niche applications but show promise for specific pest complexes where conventional approaches have failed. The form segmentation evolution indicates how different biological mechanisms are finding optimal commercial applications based on target pest biology and crop production systems.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Crop Type: Row Crops Dominate as Horticulture Gains Momentum
Row crops command a dominant 76.8% market share of the biological control market in 2024, driven by extensive adoption across corn, soybean, and wheat production systems, where biocontrol agents address persistent pest pressure while maintaining commodity pricing competitiveness. The segment's leadership reflects the scale economics of biocontrol application across large acreages and established integrated pest management protocols that incorporate biological agents as resistance management tools. Cash crops, including cotton and canola, represent significant opportunities within this segment as pest resistance to synthetic chemistries intensifies.
Horticultural crops are experiencing rapid expansion at 8.22% CAGR, fueled by premium pricing for residue-free produce and greenhouse production systems that optimize biocontrol efficacy. The segment's growth trajectory reflects consumer willingness to pay premium prices for organic and low-residue produce, creating economic incentives for growers to adopt higher-cost biocontrol solutions. Greenhouse environments provide controlled conditions that maximize biocontrol agent survival and efficacy, reducing the performance variability that challenges field applications.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific commanded 67.2% of the biological control market in 2024, reflecting 165 million hectares under mandatory pesticide-reduction mandates in China and generous subsidies in India. China’s National Action Plan for Pesticide Reduction targets a 40% cut in chemical use by 2030 and funds provincial training centers that demonstrate field-scale parasitoid releases. India’s National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture finances 30 regional production hubs supplying microbials to smallholder cooperatives.
Africa posts the fastest 10.56% CAGR to 2030 as governments combine food-security goals with donor-funded sustainability programs. Nigeria’s public-private initiative plans to serve 2 million smallholders by 2027, while Egypt builds 15 local production sites to lessen import dependence. Local capacity enables fresher products and circumvents cold-chain gaps.
Europe and North America register steady gains supported by the European Union Farm-to-Fork Strategy and premium organic sectors. The biological control market size for Europe benefits from CAP reimbursements that cover up to 70% of product costs. North America leans on a USD 134 billion organic retail channel that secures premiums of 20-40% above conventional produce, reinforcing demand for biological crop protection.
Competitive Landscape
The biological control market remains highly fragmented, with Koppert Biological Systems Inc., BioFirst Group, Bioline AgroSciences Ltd. (Eurazeo), Biobee Ltd., and Novonesis collectively accounting for only a modest share of total revenue in the biological control market. Koppert leverages automated insect-rearing plants in Europe and the United States to maintain year-round predator availability and to compress production costs. BioFirst Group uses a broad distributor network across Europe, North America, and Africa to position itself as a one-stop provider of beneficial organisms, integrated technical services, and digital scouting tools. The two leaders invest heavily in applied research aimed at extending product shelf-life and aligning biological releases with real-time pest pressure.
The mid-tier players focus on niche strengths to defend share against the larger rivals. Bioline AgroSciences Ltd. specializes in customized mite and parasitoid blends for protected horticulture and is scaling a new United Kingdom facility that triples its weekly capacity of predatory mites. Biobee Ltd. anchors its strategy in vertically integrated insectaries located close to key Mediterranean and Latin American markets, which reduces transit times and preserves product viability. These companies emphasize farmer training programs and crop-specific decision support to boost repeat sales and strengthen grower loyalty.
Strategic moves in 2024 reinforced these positions. Koppert opened a USD 150 million automated production site in North Carolina that expands North American capacity by 300%. BioFirst Group formed a joint venture in Nigeria to build regional insectaries and reach 500,000 smallholders with affordable predatory insects. Bioline AgroSciences introduced a sensor-guided release device that improves distribution uniformity in greenhouse tomatoes. Biobee signed a multi-year supply agreement with a leading Mexican berry exporter that mandates biological control across 4,000 hectares.
Biological Control Industry Leaders
-
Koppert Biological Systems Inc.
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BioFirst Group
-
Biobee Ltd
-
Bioline AgroSciences Ltd (Eurazeo)
-
Novonesis
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- August 2025: Bioline AgroSciences Ltd acquired Viridaxis SA, strengthening its position in biological pest control. The deal enhances Bioline’s portfolio of beneficial insects for sustainable agriculture across Europe.
- February 2025: PI Industries and C-CAMP have partnered to accelerate innovation in biocontrol technologies for sustainable agriculture. The initiative will support startups developing biological crop protection solutions, including biocontrol agents, through funding and technical guidance.
- January 2025: Koppert has introduced Limonica, a new predatory mite product combining two mite species for enhanced pest control. Designed for greenhouse crops, it offers improved resilience and effectiveness against thrips and whiteflies.
Global Biological Control Market Report Scope
Macrobials, Microbials are covered as segments by Form. Cash Crops, Horticultural Crops, Row Crops are covered as segments by Crop Type. Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.| Macrobials | By Organism | Entamopathogenic Nematodes |
| Parasitoids | ||
| Predators | ||
| Microbials | By Organism | Bacterial Biocontrol Agents |
| Fungal Biocontrol Agents | ||
| Other Microbials |
| Cash Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Row Crops |
| Africa | By Country | Egypt |
| Nigeria | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Africa | ||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia |
| China | ||
| India | ||
| Indonesia | ||
| Japan | ||
| Philippines | ||
| Thailand | ||
| Vietnam | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Europe | By Country | France |
| Germany | ||
| Italy | ||
| Netherlands | ||
| Russia | ||
| Spain | ||
| Turkey | ||
| United Kingdom | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Middle East | By Country | Iran |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Rest of Middle East | ||
| North America | By Country | Canada |
| Mexico | ||
| United States | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
| South America | By Country | Argentina |
| Brazil | ||
| Rest of South America |
| Form | Macrobials | By Organism | Entamopathogenic Nematodes |
| Parasitoids | |||
| Predators | |||
| Microbials | By Organism | Bacterial Biocontrol Agents | |
| Fungal Biocontrol Agents | |||
| Other Microbials | |||
| Crop Type | Cash Crops | ||
| Horticultural Crops | |||
| Row Crops | |||
| Region | Africa | By Country | Egypt |
| Nigeria | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Africa | |||
| Asia-Pacific | By Country | Australia | |
| China | |||
| India | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| Japan | |||
| Philippines | |||
| Thailand | |||
| Vietnam | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Europe | By Country | France | |
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Russia | |||
| Spain | |||
| Turkey | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Middle East | By Country | Iran | |
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Rest of Middle East | |||
| North America | By Country | Canada | |
| Mexico | |||
| United States | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| South America | By Country | Argentina | |
| Brazil | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
Market Definition
- AVERAGE DOSAGE RATE - The average application rate is the average volume of biocontrol agents applied per hectare of farmland in the respective region/country.
- CROP TYPE - Crop type includes Row crops (Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds), Horticultural Crops (Fruits and vegetables) and Cash Crops (Plantation Crops, Fibre Crops and Other Industrial Crops)
- FUNCTION - The Crop Protection function of agirucultural biological include products that prevent or control various biotic and abiotic stress.
- TYPE - Biocontrol agents are the natural predators and parasitoids used to control various pests. Biocontrol agents include both microbials (Microorganisms) and macrobials (Insects).
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cash Crops | Cash crops are non-consumable crops sold as a whole or part of the crop to manufacture end-products to make a profit. |
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | IPM is an environment-friendly and sustainable approach to control pests in various crops. It involves a combination of methods, including biological controls, cultural practices, and selective use of pesticides. |
| Bacterial biocontrol agents | Bacteria used to control pests and diseases in crops. They work by producing toxins harmful to the target pests or competing with them for nutrients and space in the growing environment. Some examples of commonly used bacterial biocontrol agents include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Streptomyces spp. |
| Plant Protection Product (PPP) | A plant protection product is a formulation applied to crops to protect from pests, such as weeds, diseases, or insects. They contain one or more active substances with other co-formulants such as solvents, carriers, inert material, wetting agents or adjuvants formulated to give optimum product efficacy. |
| Pathogen | A pathogen is an organism causing disease to its host, with the severity of the disease symptoms. |
| Parasitoids | Parasitoids are insects that lay their eggs on or within the host insect, with their larvae feeding on the host insect. In agriculture, parasitoids can be used as a form of biological pest control, as they help to control pest damage to crops and decrease the need for chemical pesticides. |
| Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPN) | Entomopathogenic nematodes are parasitic roundworms that infect and kill pests by releasing bacteria from their gut. Entomopathogenic nematodes are a form of biocontrol agents used in agriculture. |
| Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) | VAM fungi are mycorrhizal species of fungus. They live in the roots of different higher-order plants. They develop a symbiotic relationship with the plants in the roots of these plants. |
| Fungal biocontrol agents | Fungal biocontrol agents are the beneficial fungi that control plant pests and diseases. They are an alternative to chemical pesticides. They infect and kill the pests or compete with pathogenic fungi for nutrients and space. |
| Biofertilizers | Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. |
| Biopesticides | Biopesticides are natural/bio-based compounds used to manage agricultural pests using specific biological effects. |
| Predators | Predators in agriculture are the organisms that feed on pests and help control pest damage to the crops. Some common predator species used in agriculture include ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites. |
| Biocontrol agents | Biocontrol agents are living organisms used to control pests and diseases in agriculture. They are alternatives to chemical pesticides and are known for their lesser impact on the environment and human health. |
| Organic Fertilizers | Organic fertilizer is composed of animal or vegetable matter used alone or in combination with one or more non-synthetically derived elements or compounds used for soil fertility and plant growth. |
| Protein hydrolysates (PHs) | Protein hydrolysate-based biostimulants contain free amino acids, oligopeptides, and polypeptides produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of proteins, primarily from vegetal or animal sources. |
| Biostimulants/Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) | Biostimulants/Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) are substances derived from natural resources to enhance plant growth and health by stimulating plant processes (metabolism). |
| Soil Amendments | Soil Amendments are substances applied to soil that improve soil health, such as soil fertility and soil structure. |
| Seaweed Extract | Seaweed extracts are rich in micro and macronutrients, proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, phytohormones, and osmolytes. These substances boost seed germination and crop establishment, total plant growth and productivity. |
| Compounds related to biocontrol and/or promoting growth (CRBPG) | Compounds related to biocontrol or promoting growth (CRBPG) are the ability of a bacteria to produce compounds for phytopathogen biocontrol and plant growth promotion. |
| Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria | Symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium obtain food and shelter from the host, and in return, they help by providing fixed nitrogen to the plants. |
| Nitrogen Fixation | Nitrogen fixation is a chemical process in soil which converts molecular nitrogen into ammonia or related nitrogenous compounds. |
| ARS (Agricultural Research Service) | ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. It aims to find solutions to agricultural problems faced by the farmers in the country. |
| Phytosanitary Regulations | Phytosanitary regulations imposed by the respective government bodies check or prohibit the importation and marketing of certain insects, plant species, or products of these plants to prevent the introduction or spread of new plant pests or pathogens. |
| Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) | Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) is a symbiotic interaction of fungi with the feeder roots of higher plants in which both the plant and the fungi benefit through the association for survival. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms.
