Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market Size and Share

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market (2025 - 2030)
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Europe agricultural biologicals market is USD 10.12 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 15.32 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 8.64% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the European Union's Farm-to-Fork mandate, which aims to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030, the ongoing conversion of farmland to certified organic status, and retailer initiatives requiring residue-free fresh produce. Demand is particularly strong in crop nutrition, where nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus-solubilizing microbes help reduce fertilizer costs while meeting stricter nutrient regulations. Crop protection is experiencing faster growth, supported by streamlined approval processes for biopesticides and the greenhouse fruit and vegetable sectors' focus on achieving zero detectable residues. Challenges such as performance variability in cooler soils, registration costs nearing USD 540,000 per active ingredient, and fermentation capacity constraints limit short-term growth. These challenges present opportunities for suppliers capable of developing cold-tolerant strains or securing dedicated fermentation facilities.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By function, crop nutrition commanded 73.1% of the Europe agricultural biologicals market share in 2024, while crop protection is forecast to expand at a 9.8% CAGR through 2030.
  • By crop type, row crops held 78.1% of the Europe agricultural biologicals market share in 2024, whereas horticultural crops are set to post a 9.2% CAGR to 2030.
  • By geography, France led with 16.9% share of the Europe agricultural biologicals market share in 2024 and is also forecast to expand at a 9.5% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Function: Crop Nutrition Dominance Anchors Revenue

Crop nutrition applications accounted for 73.1% of the Europe agricultural biologicals market share in 2024. This growth was driven by nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, azospirillum, and phosphorus-mobilizing mycorrhizae, which assist growers in adhering to the Nitrates Directive cap of 170 kg N/ha. Biofertilizers have gained traction as French wheat and German barley producers reduced synthetic nitrogen usage without compromising yields. Additionally, seaweed extract and humic acid biostimulants expanded their presence in Spain’s olive and citrus groves in 2024, helping to mitigate drought stress and enhance fruit size. Despite the broad nutrition base, commoditization has exerted pressure on pricing. Buyers demand agronomic evidence, compelling suppliers to fund multi-site trials, which in turn impacts profit margins.

Crop protection is the fastest-growing function in the market, with a projected CAGR of 9.8% through 2030. Simplified regulatory dossiers have facilitated market entry, while retailers increasingly demand zero-residue solutions. Bioinsecticides, led by Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad, dominated the segment, covering 94% of Dutch greenhouse tomatoes in 2024. Biofungicides, including Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis, reduced copper fungicide usage by 28% in French vineyards during the same year. Early-stage bioherbicides utilizing pelargonic acid have received organic approval in Switzerland and are projected to gain European Union clearance by 2026. Macrobials, such as predatory mites, now protect 82% of Dutch tomato hectares, with adoption rising in Spanish peppers and cucumbers. Suppliers offering integrated programs that combine nutrition and protection biologicals are differentiating themselves and fostering channel loyalty.

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market: Market Share by Function
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Crop Type: Row Crop Meets Horticultural Value

Row crops represented 78.1% of the Europe agricultural biologicals market size in 2024, driven by the extensive cultivation of wheat, barley, corn, and oilseeds across the region. Wheat producers in France and Germany applied azospirillum and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria across 2.4 million hectares, reducing synthetic nitrogen usage by 20–30% while maintaining grain protein targets. In Poland and Romania, oilseed rape farmers doubled rhizobium inoculation rates between 2022 and 2024, supported by a 50% subsidy program. Maize growers in Italy’s Po Valley utilized mycorrhizae to reduce phosphate fertilizer use by 18% in alkaline soils. Despite the high volume of row crop applications, the per-hectare expenditure remains lower compared to horticulture, which limits the revenue potential for suppliers in this segment.

Horticultural crops are projected to achieve a 9.2% CAGR, supported by greenhouse vegetables, berries, and fruit orchards, where retailers enforce strict zero-tolerance residue policies. In Spain’s Almería region, biological input spending increased by 19% in 2024 across 31,000 hectares of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The Netherlands achieved 94% biological pest control coverage in tomato greenhouses by combining Amblyseius swirskii and Macrolophus pygmaeus predators. In France, apple orchards replaced 32% of synthetic insecticide applications with mating-disruption pheromones and Bacillus-based formulations in 2024. Italian vineyards in Tuscany and Piedmont applied seaweed biostimulants on 24% of their hectares to enhance drought resilience. The higher value of horticultural crops allows growers to absorb the premium costs of biological inputs, making this segment a lucrative market for suppliers.

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market: Market Share by Crop Type
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

Geography Analysis

France commanded the largest individual country share at 16.9% in 2024, and the segment is set to compound at 9.5% CAGR to 2030 under the Ecophyto 2030 scheme, which links EUR 9 billion (USD 9.7 billion) of payments to verifiable pesticide cuts. The country’s 1.8 million ha of certified organic farmland anchors baseline demand for biofertilizers and biopesticides. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne vineyards trimmed copper fungicide use by 28% in 2024 by integrating Trichoderma and Bacillus biofungicides, while cereal growers captured 120,000 carbon credits through nitrogen-fixing bacteria adoption. France’s leadership is reinforced by fast-track dossier teams within the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) that processed 14 new microbial registrations in 2024, shortening time-to-market for local innovators.

Germany remains the second-largest country market, supported by 1.9 million ha of organic area and a 2024 Plant Protection Act amendment that bans neonicotinoid seed treatments and pushes growers toward rhizosphere bacteria and beneficial nematodes. Italy and Spain follow, driven by premium horticulture and wine. Italy’s organic wine acreage rose 12% in 2024, relying on copper-reducing biofungicides to satisfy strict appellation rules. Spain’s Almería greenhouse cluster lifted biological input spend 19% across 31,000 ha to meet retailer residue-free standards, pairing Amblyseius swirskii mites with microbial sprays. The Netherlands keeps world-leading penetration in greenhouse tomatoes, but lags in field cereals, where cool soils suppress microbial colonization. The United Kingdom accelerates adoption as Tesco’s 2024 pledge moves all contracted vegetables to bio-only programs by 2028, covering 12,000 ha.

The countries, including Poland, Romania, Turkey, and Russia, retained a combined share in 2024, but no single country within that group exceeded France’s 16.9%. Poland reimburses a major share of biological input costs on farms under 100 ha, doubling cereal and oilseed inoculation rates to 26% of acreage by 2024. Romania’s greenhouse vegetable sector deployed Bacillus thuringiensis and predatory mites on 18% of tomato and pepper hectares to meet export rules. Turkey’s 680,000 ha of organic land drives demand in hazelnuts, figs, and cotton. Russia’s use is nascent because of limited registration frameworks, yet domestic producers are scaling to serve 1.5 million ha of organic area. 

Competitive Landscape

The Europe agricultural biologicals market is fragmented, with the top five suppliers, Koppert Biological Systems B.V., Biolchim S.p.A. (J.M. Huber Corporation), Agronutrition SAS (DE SANGOSSE Group), Trade Corporation International, S.A. (Rovensa Group), and Symborg, Inc. (Corteva Agriscience), accounting for a minor combined revenue share in 2024. This reflects the region's distinctive local agronomy needs and channel fragmentation. Multinational agrochemical companies are increasingly acquiring specialist biocontrol firms to offer bundled solutions that combine reduced-rate synthetic products with biologicals. Bayer expanded its portfolio through a 2025 German acquisition, adding seaweed extract and amino acid products, enabling the integration of mineral fertilizers with stress-mitigating biostimulants. Similarly, BASF invested USD 194 million in a 20,000 metric tons fermentation plant in France to address capacity constraints and ensure a steady supply of Bacillus-based fungicides.

Innovation efforts in the market are centered on developing cold-tolerant strains and encapsulation technologies to reduce variability in efficacy. A Dutch biotech company filed a European patent in 2024 for a microcapsule that maintains Trichoderma viability for 90 days in cool soils, tripling the current benchmarks. In 2025, Koppert introduced a digital scouting platform that integrates image analytics with biological prescriptions, aiming to enhance precision in timing and dosage. Additionally, venture capital is supporting vertical farming companies that are backward-integrating into beneficial insect rearing, enabling direct sales to greenhouse customers and bypassing traditional distribution channels.

Consolidation in distribution channels poses significant challenges for new entrants. InVivo’s 2024 cooperative roll-up resulted in 2,800 points of sale and exclusive partnerships with BASF and Bayer, limiting shelf space for independent players. In 2025, BayWa introduced bundled input packages that incentivized growers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and biologicals from a single vendor, offering price discounts and thereby increasing the market share of larger suppliers. Smaller brands are responding by forming alliances or adopting direct-to-farmer e-commerce strategies. Both approaches require substantial commercial investments, which can divert resources from research and development budgets.

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Industry Leaders

  1. Koppert Biological Systems B.V.

  2. Biolchim S.p.A. (J.M. Huber Corporation)

  3. Agronutrition SAS (DE SANGOSSE Group)

  4. Trade Corporation International, S.A. (Rovensa Group)

  5. Symborg, Inc. (Corteva Agriscience)

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Bayer and Kimitec have introduced two new biological products resulting from their partnership: Ambition Complete Gen2 and Ambition Secure Gen2. Both products are currently undergoing regulatory approval and are part of Bayer’s Crop Performance Enhancer portfolio, reflecting the company's commitment to regenerative agricultural solutions in Spain.
  • June 2025: Koppert has entered into a strategic partnership with Insect Science, designating the company as its preferred supplier of semiochemical solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of sustainable pest management tools for farmers worldwide. The agreement, based in the Netherlands, underscores a mutual commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture.
  • October 2024: Elicit Plant, a company specializing in agricultural biosolutions, has partnered with BASF France Agro Division, a prominent provider of agricultural solutions, for the 2024-25 campaign. This collaboration aims to advance the development of the biostimulants EliSun-a and EliGrain-a, tailored for the sunflower and cereal markets in France.

Table of Contents for Europe Agricultural Biologicals Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study
  • 1.3 Research Methodology

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS

3. REPORT OFFERS

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Area Under Organic Cultivation
  • 4.2 Per Capita Spending on Organic Products
  • 4.3 Regulatory Framework
    • 4.3.1 France
    • 4.3.2 Germany
    • 4.3.3 Italy
    • 4.3.4 Netherlands
    • 4.3.5 Russia
    • 4.3.6 Spain
    • 4.3.7 Turkey
    • 4.3.8 United Kingdom
  • 4.4 Value Chain and Distribution Channel Analysis
  • 4.5 Market Drivers
    • 4.5.1 European Union Farm-to-Fork Pesticide-Reduction Mandate
    • 4.5.2 Expansion of Certified Organic Farmland
    • 4.5.3 Consumer Pull for Residue-Free Produce
    • 4.5.4 Fast-Track Biological Approvals Across European Countries
    • 4.5.5 Retailer "Bio-Only" Sourcing Pledges
    • 4.5.6 Carbon-Credit Monetization for Bio-Inputs
  • 4.6 Market Restraints
    • 4.6.1 Lengthy European Union Microbial Registration Timelines
    • 4.6.2 Field-Efficacy Variability in Temperate Climates
    • 4.6.3 Fermentation-Grade Capacity Bottlenecks
    • 4.6.4 Consolidated Distributors Squeezing Shelf Space

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Function
    • 5.1.1 Crop Nutrition
    • 5.1.1.1 Biofertilizer
    • 5.1.1.1.1 Azospirillum
    • 5.1.1.1.2 Azotobacter
    • 5.1.1.1.3 Mycorrhiza
    • 5.1.1.1.4 Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria
    • 5.1.1.1.5 Rhizobium
    • 5.1.1.1.6 Other Biofertilizers
    • 5.1.1.2 Biostimulants
    • 5.1.1.2.1 Amino Acids
    • 5.1.1.2.2 Fulvic Acid
    • 5.1.1.2.3 Humic Acid
    • 5.1.1.2.4 Protein Hydrolysates
    • 5.1.1.2.5 Seaweed Extracts
    • 5.1.1.2.6 Other Biostimulants
    • 5.1.1.3 Organic Fertilizer
    • 5.1.1.3.1 Manure
    • 5.1.1.3.2 Meal Based Fertilizers
    • 5.1.1.3.3 Oilcakes
    • 5.1.1.3.4 Other Organic Fertilizers
    • 5.1.2 Crop Protection
    • 5.1.2.1 Biocontrol Agents
    • 5.1.2.1.1 Macrobials
    • 5.1.2.1.2 Microbials
    • 5.1.2.2 Biopesticides
    • 5.1.2.2.1 Biofungicides
    • 5.1.2.2.2 Bioherbicides
    • 5.1.2.2.3 Bioinsecticides
    • 5.1.2.2.4 Other Biopesticides
  • 5.2 By Crop Type
    • 5.2.1 Cash Crops
    • 5.2.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 5.2.3 Row Crops
  • 5.3 By Geography
    • 5.3.1 France
    • 5.3.2 Germany
    • 5.3.3 Italy
    • 5.3.4 Netherlands
    • 5.3.5 Russia
    • 5.3.6 Spain
    • 5.3.7 Turkey
    • 5.3.8 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.9 Rest of Europe

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (Includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Segments, Financials as Available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for Key Companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Syngenta Group
    • 6.4.2 Bayer AG
    • 6.4.3 BASF SE
    • 6.4.4 FMC Corporation
    • 6.4.5 UPL Limited
    • 6.4.6 Koppert Biological Systems B.V.
    • 6.4.7 Biolchim S.p.A. (J.M. Huber Corporation)
    • 6.4.8 Agronutrition SAS (DE SANGOSSE Group)
    • 6.4.9 Trade Corporation International, S.A. (Rovensa Group)
    • 6.4.10 Symborg, Inc. (Corteva Agriscience)
    • 6.4.11 Novonesis A/S
    • 6.4.12 Lallemand, Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Gowan Company LLC
    • 6.4.14 Biobest Group NV
    • 6.4.15 Andermatt Group AG

7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL BIOLOGICALS CEOS

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Europe Agricultural Biologicals Market Report Scope

Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection are covered as segments by Function. Cash Crops, Horticultural Crops, Row Crops are covered as segments by Crop Type. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.

By Function
Crop Nutrition Biofertilizer Azospirillum
Azotobacter
Mycorrhiza
Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria
Rhizobium
Other Biofertilizers
Biostimulants Amino Acids
Fulvic Acid
Humic Acid
Protein Hydrolysates
Seaweed Extracts
Other Biostimulants
Organic Fertilizer Manure
Meal Based Fertilizers
Oilcakes
Other Organic Fertilizers
Crop Protection Biocontrol Agents Macrobials
Microbials
Biopesticides Biofungicides
Bioherbicides
Bioinsecticides
Other Biopesticides
By Crop Type
Cash Crops
Horticultural Crops
Row Crops
By Geography
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
By Function Crop Nutrition Biofertilizer Azospirillum
Azotobacter
Mycorrhiza
Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria
Rhizobium
Other Biofertilizers
Biostimulants Amino Acids
Fulvic Acid
Humic Acid
Protein Hydrolysates
Seaweed Extracts
Other Biostimulants
Organic Fertilizer Manure
Meal Based Fertilizers
Oilcakes
Other Organic Fertilizers
Crop Protection Biocontrol Agents Macrobials
Microbials
Biopesticides Biofungicides
Bioherbicides
Bioinsecticides
Other Biopesticides
By Crop Type Cash Crops
Horticultural Crops
Row Crops
By Geography France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Market Definition

  • AVERAGE DOSAGE RATE - The average application rate is the average volume of agricultural biologicals 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 - Agricultural biological products provide crops with essential nutrients, prevent or control abiotic & biotic stresses, and enhance soil quality.
  • TYPE - The Crop Nutrition function of agricultural biologicals includes organic fertilizer and Biofertilizer, whereas the Crop Protection function includes Biostimulants, Biopesticides and Biocontrol Agents.
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.​
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

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.
research-methodology
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF