Europe Biocontrol Agents Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market Trends

European green deal is majorly contributing for increasing organic cultivation across the region

• European countries are increasingly promoting organic farming, and the amount of land categorized as organic has significantly increased over the last 10 years. In March 2021, the European Commission launched an organic action plan to achieve the European Green Deal target of ensuring that 25% of agricultural land is under organic farming by 2030. Austria, Italy, Spain, and Germany are among the leading countries for organic cultivation in the European region. Italy has 15.0% of its agricultural area under organic farming, which is higher than the EU average of 7.5%.
• In 2021, organic land in the European Union was recorded at 14.7 million hectares. The agricultural production area is divided into three main types of use: arable land crops (mainly cereals, root crops, and fresh vegetables), permanent grassland, and permanent crops. The area of organic arable land was 6.5 million hectares in 2021, the equivalent of 46% of the European Union's total organic agricultural area.
• The organic cultivation area of cereals, oilseeds, protein crops, and pulses in the European Union increased by 32.6% between 2017 and 2021, amounting to more than 1.6 million hectares. With 1.3 million hectares in production, perennial crops accounted for 15% of the organic land in 2020. Olives, grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits are a few examples of crops in this group. Spain, Italy, and Greece are significant growers of organic olive trees, with 197,000, 179,000, and 47,000 hectares, respectively, in recent years. Both olives and grapes are crucial for the European agricultural industry because they can be turned into specialty products that are in demand locally and globally. The increasing organic acreage in the region is expected to strengthen the organic agricultural industry in Europe.

Growing demand and rising the per capita spending on organic products in the region

• European consumers are increasingly purchasing goods made using natural materials and methods. Even though organic food still only makes up a fraction of the European Union's overall agricultural production, it is no longer a niche industry. The European Union represents the second-largest single market for organic goods internationally, with an average per capita spending of USD 74.8 annually. The per capita spending on organic food in Europe has doubled in the last decade. In 2020, Swiss and Danish consumers spent the most on organic food (USD 494.09 and USD 453.90 per capita, respectively).
• Germany is the largest organic food market in Europe and the second largest market in the world after the United States, with a market size of USD 6.3 billion in 2021 and a per capita consumption of USD 75.6, as per Global Organic Trade data. The country accounted for 10.0% of the global organic food demand and is estimated to record a CAGR of 2.7% between 2021 and 2026.
• The organic food market in France witnessed strong growth, with a 12.6% rise in retail sales in 2021. The country's per capita spending on organic food was recorded at USD 88.8 in 2021, as per Global Organic Trade data. In 2018, as recorded by the Agence BIO/Spirit Insight Barometer, 88% of French people declared having consumed organic products. The preservation of health, environment, and animal welfare are the primary justifications for consuming organic foods in France. The organic market has begun to grow in several other nations, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, with the opening of organic stores. Organic food sales grew during and post the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers began paying more attention to health issues and learned the adverse effects of conventionally grown food.

Segment Analysis: Form

Macrobials Segment in Europe Biocontrol Agents Market

The macrobials segment dominates the European biocontrol agents market, accounting for approximately 98.5% of the total market value in 2024. This segment includes various invertebrate biocontrol agents such as mites, insect predators, parasitoids, and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The segment's dominance is primarily attributed to the effectiveness of macrobial agents in controlling a wide range of pests without causing environmental harm. Within this segment, predators are showing particularly strong growth with a projected CAGR of around 8.5% from 2024 to 2029, driven by their ability to attack different life stages of pests and even different pest species. The European Green Deal's goal of reducing chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030 has significantly boosted the adoption of macrobial biocontrol agents, as they align perfectly with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies being promoted across the region.

Microbials Segment in Europe Biocontrol Agents Market

The microbials segment, though smaller in market share, plays a crucial role in the European biocontrol agents market by offering unique solutions for pest and disease control. This segment includes various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans that act as biological control agents. Microbial biocontrol agents are particularly valued for their ability to target specific pests while maintaining ecological balance. The segment's growth is supported by ongoing research efforts to improve efficacy and make interactions safer for commercial crops and the environment. The European Commission's recent endorsement of four legal acts that simplify the approval and authorization process of microorganism-containing biological plant protection products has created a more favorable regulatory environment for this segment's expansion. The use of microbial pesticides, including bacterial biocontrol agents, is becoming increasingly prevalent as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Segment Analysis: Crop Type

Row Crops Segment in Europe Biocontrol Agents Market

Row crops dominate the European biocontrol agents market, accounting for approximately 89% of the total market value in 2024. This dominance is primarily attributed to the extensive cultivation area of row crops in the region, particularly cereals which represent around 82% of the total organic crop area. Wheat production alone accounts for nearly 44% of total cereal production, making it a crucial driver for biocontrol agent demand. The segment's strong position is further reinforced by the increasing adoption of sustainable pest management practices in cereal cultivation, especially for controlling common threats like wheat rust and cereal aphids. Bacterial biocontrol agents have proven particularly effective against these challenges, leading to their widespread adoption among row crop farmers.

Horticultural Crops Segment in Europe Biocontrol Agents Market

The horticultural crops segment is experiencing the most rapid growth in the European biocontrol agents market, projected to expand at approximately 11% CAGR between 2024 and 2029. This accelerated growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for organic fruits and vegetables, particularly in major markets like France and Germany. The segment's growth is further supported by the European Union's "Farm to Fork" strategy, which aims to increase organic cultivation area to at least 25% of all agricultural land by 2030. The rising adoption of sustainable farming practices, coupled with stringent regulations on chemical pesticide usage, is encouraging horticultural farmers to transition towards biological control methods, including the use of biofungicide and biological insecticide solutions.

Remaining Segments in Crop Type

The cash crops segment, while smaller in market share, plays a significant role in the European biocontrol agents market, particularly in regions focusing on cotton and oilseed production. Despite its limited cultivation area, the segment demonstrates the versatility of biocontrol agents in specialized crop protection. The increasing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and organic cultivation methods is gradually driving the adoption of biocontrol agents in cash crops, though at a more modest pace compared to the other segments.

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market Geography Segment Analysis

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market in Russia

Russia dominates the European biocontrol agents market, commanding approximately 60% of the total market value in 2024. The country's market is predominantly driven by field crops, which constitute a significant portion of its agricultural landscape. The primary consumers of biocontrol agents in Russia include protected soil and forestry enterprises, personal part-time farms, and open-pit enterprises. The country's vast agricultural land and increasing focus on sustainable farming practices have contributed to its market leadership. The Federal Service of the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control, Rossel'khoznadzor, plays a crucial role in overseeing the registration and regulation of biocontrol agents, ensuring proper standards in production, sale, transportation, and usage. While the domestic preference for organic foods is still developing, the growing export market demands and increasing awareness about sustainable agricultural practices continue to drive market growth.

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market in Germany

Germany stands out as the most dynamic market in the European biocontrol agents sector, projected to grow at approximately 9% between 2024 and 2029. The country's strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices has created a favorable environment for biocontrol agents. Field crops dominate the German market, with wheat and oilseed rape being the most significant crops. The country has witnessed significant success in using predatory insects like carabid beetles and spiders as invertebrate predators for biological pest control in agricultural fields. The increasing adoption of microbial biocontrol agents, particularly bacterial agents, demonstrates the market's technological advancement and sophistication. Germany's strong research infrastructure and continuous innovation in biocontrol technologies have positioned it as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, with various experiments and trials being conducted to enhance the efficacy of biocontrol agents.

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market in Italy

Italy's biocontrol agents market demonstrates robust development, supported by its significant position in European agriculture, particularly in horticultural production. The country's diverse agricultural landscape, ranging from extensive field crops to specialized fruit and vegetable production, creates varied opportunities for biocontrol agent applications. Recent studies and experiments in Italy, particularly in regions like Sicily, have shown promising results in using biological products for controlling various crop diseases. The country's strong focus on sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices has led to increased adoption of both macrobial and microbial biocontrol agents. Italy's position as a major producer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables in Europe further drives the demand for biocontrol solutions, as international markets increasingly require produce with minimal chemical residues.

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's biocontrol agents market exhibits distinctive characteristics shaped by its unique agricultural landscape and regulatory framework. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) maintains strict oversight of biocontrol agents through its non-native biocontrol licensing team, ensuring environmental safety and efficacy. The country's approach to biocontrol agent adoption is methodical and science-based, with significant emphasis on research and development. British farmers increasingly embrace biocontrol solutions as part of integrated pest management strategies, particularly in cereal crops and horticultural production. The market benefits from strong institutional support and collaboration between research institutions, agricultural organizations, and commercial enterprises, fostering innovation in biocontrol technologies.

Europe Biocontrol Agents Market in Other Countries

The biocontrol agents market in other European countries, including France, Spain, the Netherlands, and various Eastern European nations, demonstrates diverse adoption patterns and growth trajectories. These markets are characterized by varying levels of agricultural sophistication and regulatory frameworks. Countries like France and Spain show strong potential in horticultural applications, while the Netherlands excels in greenhouse cultivation and innovative biocontrol solutions. Eastern European countries are gradually increasing their adoption of biocontrol agents as awareness of sustainable farming practices grows. The European Union's collective push toward reducing chemical pesticide use and promoting organic farming creates a supportive environment for biocontrol agent adoption across these markets. Regional collaboration and knowledge sharing among these countries contribute to the overall development of the biocontrol agents market in Europe.

Free With This Report

Along with the report, We also offer a comprehensive and exhaustive data pack on Areas under organic cultivation, one of the key trends that affect the market size of agricultural biologicals. This data pack also includes areas under cultivation by crop types, such as Row Crops (Cereals, Pulses, and Oilseeds), Horticultural Crops (Fruits and Vegetables), and Cash Crops in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and Africa.