United States Agricultural Biologicals Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 3.55 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 6.48 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 12.81% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
United States Agricultural Biologicals Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The United States Agricultural Biologicals Market size is estimated at 3.55 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 6.48 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.81% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The United States agricultural biologicals industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by the increasing adoption of sustainable farming practices. The sector has witnessed substantial innovation in product development, particularly in biopesticides and biofertilizers, which offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional agricultural inputs. In 2022, biopesticides demonstrated strong market penetration, accounting for 83.5% of the crop protection segment, highlighting the industry's successful transition toward biological crop protection solutions. This shift is further supported by advanced research and development initiatives focusing on improving the efficacy and stability of biological products.
The industry landscape is characterized by strategic consolidations and partnerships among key agricultural biologicals companies, aimed at expanding product portfolios and strengthening market presence. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to create more effective biological solutions, with a particular focus on improving product formulations and application methods. The market has seen notable success in biofungicides, which represented 49.5% of the biopesticides segment in 2022, demonstrating the growing confidence in biological alternatives for disease control. These developments are reshaping the competitive dynamics of the agricultural inputs sector.
The market is witnessing a notable shift in farming practices, particularly in soil health management and organic cultivation methods. A critical challenge facing the industry is that over 50% of agricultural topsoil in the United States is experiencing erosion, creating an urgent need for sustainable soil management solutions. This has led to increased adoption of organic fertilizers, with manure-based products accounting for 46.7% of the organic fertilizer market in 2022. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of farming biologicals in improving soil health and maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.
Consumer preferences are significantly influencing market dynamics, with a growing demand for organically produced agricultural products. This trend is particularly evident in specialty crops and beverage sectors, where consumer awareness of sustainable farming practices is driving market growth. For instance, according to USDA data, 44% of coffee drinkers in the United States now prefer organic coffee, indicating a broader shift in consumer preferences towards sustainably produced agricultural products. This consumer-driven demand is encouraging farmers to adopt biological solutions across various crop categories, from row crops to specialty produce, leading to more diversified product offerings in the agricultural biologicals market.
United States Agricultural Biologicals Market Trends and Insights
Increase in organic area, particularly in row crops, due to country's laws and regulations
- Organic agriculture in the United States has increased significantly over the last 20 years, owing mostly to the introduction of particular laws and regulations. In 2021, the area under organic agricultural farming in the United States was 623 thousand hectares.
- California is the nation’s top state for agricultural sales overall, and it is also the leader in organic production, with more than 3,000 organic farms. In relative terms, several other states devote a greater share of their farmland to organic farming than California, where organic farms represent only about 4% of the state’s agricultural acreage. Instead, the list of top states for organic farms on a relative basis is led by northeastern states, including Maine, New York, and Vermont.
- Row crops dominate organic farming in the nation. In 2021, they accounted for about 71.8% of all organic cropland. The production of cereal crops predominates. The main cereals include maize, wheat, rice, and millet. The consumption of organic products has become popular among US consumers, who increasingly choose to eat organic foods because of their various health benefits.
- An increasing trend was observed in the overall organic horticulture crop cultivation area, from 112.9 thousand hectares in 2017 to 156.1 thousand hectares in 2021. Regarding domestic production in 2021, the top five fruits and vegetables were apples (31.1%), strawberries (9.5%), oranges (6.9%), romaine lettuce (6.7%), and potatoes (6.2%). In the case of trade, the most imported produce was bananas (53.1%), avocados (7.7%), mangoes (5.8%), blueberries (5.0%), and squash (4.3%), while the most exported were apples (80.0%), pears (14.4%), cherries (4.0%), dried onions (1.5%), and potatoes (0.2%).
Growing demand for organic produce especially in the fruits and vegetables sector, rise in per capita spending on organic food
- The United States is one of the largest organic product consumers in the world. In 2020, the country's total sales of organic food products accounted for USD 51.6 billion, according to the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ, 2021). In 2021, the United States had the largest per capita spending on organic products in the North American region, worth USD 158.0.
- Organic fresh fruits and vegetables have been the leading organic food category since the organic food retail industry began. In 2020, retail sales for these organic products were valued at USD 20.0 billion, showing a growing demand for organic produce. The demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables has steadily risen over the past two decades. Organic food sales are rising due to growing consumer awareness, especially among high-income consumers. The most in-demand organic categories include basic foods like eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
- Organic food preferences vary by demographic and region. Younger people of age between 18-29 are more likely to seek out organic products (over 50%) compared to older people aged 65 and above. Income and region also play a role, with 42% of those with under USD 30 thousand income and 49% of those with over USD 75.0 thousand seeking organic products.
- The per capita spending on organic products is increasing in the country, and it recorded a CAGR of 5.2% from 2017 to 2021. The growing demand for organic products creates opportunities for US organic producers to tap into high-value markets domestically and abroad. The price premium associated with organic products is one of the major limiting factors for organic food consumption for low-level income consumers.
Segment Analysis: Function
Crop Protection Segment in US Agricultural Biologicals Market
The crop protection segment dominates the US agricultural biologicals market, accounting for approximately 54% of the total market value in 2024. This segment's prominence is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of biopesticides, which account for about 83% of the crop protection segment. Biofungicides lead the biopesticides category with nearly 50% market share, followed by bioinsecticides at around 31%. The segment's strong performance is supported by growing awareness among farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and the shift towards organic farming methods. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth trajectory, projected to expand at approximately 13% annually from 2024 to 2029, driven by favorable government initiatives supporting organic farming practices and increasing demand for chemical-free agricultural products. The growth is further bolstered by the rising adoption of integrated pest management practices and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability in agriculture.
Crop Nutrition Segment in US Agricultural Biologicals Market
The crop nutrition segment represents a significant portion of the US agricultural biologicals market, serving as a crucial component in sustainable agriculture practices. This segment encompasses various products including biofertilizers, biostimulants, and organic fertilizers, with organic fertilizers being the most widely used category. The segment's growth is driven by increasing awareness about soil health, rising demand for organic products, and government support for sustainable farming practices. Organic fertilizers, particularly manure-based products, continue to gain traction due to their dual benefits of nutrient provision and soil health improvement. The segment's expansion is also supported by innovations in biostimulant formulations and the growing adoption of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural practices.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Row Crops Segment in US Agricultural Biologicals Market
Row crops dominate the US agricultural biologicals market, accounting for approximately 82% market share in 2024, with major crops including corn, wheat, rice, and soybean. The segment's prominence is attributed to the extensive organic cultivation area under row crops, which expanded significantly in recent years. The increasing adoption of row crop biologicals in row crop cultivation is driven by rising demand for organic foods free from chemicals and supportive government initiatives promoting organic farming through financial assistance. Row crops are also experiencing the fastest growth trajectory, projected to grow at nearly 13% annually from 2024 to 2029, supported by reduced taxes on organically grown corn and increasing domestic supply to meet growing demand. The segment's robust growth is further bolstered by crop nutrition products, particularly organic fertilizers, which have high application rates averaging 1.6 metric tons per hectare.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type Segmentation
The horticultural crops and cash crops segments complete the US agricultural biologicals market landscape. Horticultural crops, including fruits and vegetables, represent a significant opportunity with increasing organic cultivation and consumer preference for chemical-free produce. The segment benefits from various USDA organic initiatives and growing retail sales of organic fruits and vegetables. Cash crops, including cotton, sugarcane, coffee, tobacco, cocoa, and tea, while smaller in market share, play a vital role in meeting the rising demand for organic variants of these commodities. Both segments are experiencing steady growth driven by increasing consumer awareness, sustainable farming practices, and the expanding organic food market in the United States. The use of agricultural probiotics and agricultural inoculants is becoming more prevalent in these segments, enhancing soil health and crop yield.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in United States Agricultural Biologicals Market
The US agricultural biologicals market is characterized by active product innovation and strategic developments among key players like Novozymes, Certis USA LLC, Cedar Grove Composting, Corteva Agriscience, and BioWorks Inc. Companies are focusing on developing enhanced biological solutions through extensive research and development, particularly in areas like biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biostimulants. Strategic partnerships and collaborations have become increasingly common, with companies joining forces to leverage complementary capabilities and expand market reach. Manufacturing facility expansions and investments in new production technologies demonstrate the industry's commitment to meeting growing demand. Companies are also emphasizing digital integration and technical support services to provide comprehensive solutions to farmers, while simultaneously working on improving product efficacy and application methods.
Fragmented Market with Growing Consolidation Trends
The US agricultural biologicals market exhibits a fragmented structure with a mix of global conglomerates and specialized local players. Major multinational companies leverage their extensive research capabilities and established distribution networks to maintain market positions, while specialized regional players focus on niche segments and local market expertise. The market is witnessing increasing consolidation through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, as larger companies seek to expand their biological product portfolios and strengthen their market presence. Companies with strong technological capabilities and established manufacturing facilities are particularly attractive targets for acquisition.
The competitive dynamics are shaped by varying levels of specialization among market participants, with some focusing exclusively on biological solutions while others maintain diverse agricultural product portfolios. Market entry barriers are moderately high due to regulatory requirements and the need for significant research and development investments. The industry is seeing a gradual shift from traditional distribution models to more integrated approaches, with companies developing direct relationships with end-users and offering customized solutions based on specific crop and regional requirements. This shift is indicative of emerging trends in the agricultural biologicals market.
Innovation and Customer Relations Drive Success
Success in the agricultural biologicals companies market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop innovative, effective products while building strong relationships with farmers and distributors. Market leaders are investing in research and development to improve product efficacy, shelf life, and ease of application. Companies are also focusing on educational initiatives to increase farmer awareness and adoption of biological solutions. The development of integrated pest management solutions and compatibility with conventional agricultural practices has become crucial for market success. Building robust distribution networks and providing comprehensive technical support are emerging as key differentiators in the market.
Future growth opportunities lie in developing specialized solutions for specific crop segments and regional requirements. Companies need to focus on improving product stability and consistency while reducing production costs to make biological solutions more competitive with conventional alternatives. Regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability credentials are becoming increasingly important for market success. The ability to demonstrate clear value propositions through field trials and documented success cases will be crucial for both established players and new entrants. Companies that can effectively combine product innovation with strong customer relationships and technical support services are likely to gain competitive advantages in the evolving market landscape. The market share of agricultural biologicals companies will be influenced by their ability to offer top-rated agricultural biologicals solutions.
United States Agricultural Biologicals Industry Leaders
-
Bioworks Inc.
-
Cedar Grove Composting Inc.
-
Certis USA LLC
-
Corteva Agriscience
-
Novozymes
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- July 2022: Corteva Agriscience introduced Sosdia Stress, an abiotic stress mitigator, to help farmers better manage drought-stressed crops. This product is derived from amino acids of natural origin.
- June 2022: Certis Biologicals and Novozymes, two leading agricultural biotechnology companies, collaborated to develop new technologies for highly effective fungal disease control. This collaboration will provide new solutions to row crop growers.
- January 2022: In declaring the acquisition of Glen Biotech, Symborg strengthened its position as a global leader in sustainable agricultural biotechnology. Symborg expanded its product line with Glen Biotech's technology, which is based on the fungus Beauveria bassiana 203 that has a high potential for pest control.
United States 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.| Crop Nutrition | Biofertilizer | Azospirillum |
| Azotobacter | ||
| Mycorrhiza | ||
| Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria | ||
| Rhizobium | ||
| Other Biofertilizer | ||
| Biostimulants | Amino Acids | |
| Fulvic Acid | ||
| Humic Acid | ||
| Protein Hydrolysates | ||
| Seaweed Extracts | ||
| Other Biostimulants | ||
| Organic Fertilizer | Manure | |
| Meal Based Fertilizers | ||
| Oilcakes | ||
| Other Organic Fertilizer | ||
| Crop Protection | Biocontrol Agents | Macrobials |
| Microbials | ||
| Biopesticides | Biofungicides | |
| Bioherbicides | ||
| Bioinsecticides | ||
| Other Biopesticides | ||
| Cash Crops |
| Horticultural Crops |
| Row Crops |
| Function | Crop Nutrition | Biofertilizer | Azospirillum |
| Azotobacter | |||
| Mycorrhiza | |||
| Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria | |||
| Rhizobium | |||
| Other Biofertilizer | |||
| Biostimulants | Amino Acids | ||
| Fulvic Acid | |||
| Humic Acid | |||
| Protein Hydrolysates | |||
| Seaweed Extracts | |||
| Other Biostimulants | |||
| Organic Fertilizer | Manure | ||
| Meal Based Fertilizers | |||
| Oilcakes | |||
| Other Organic Fertilizer | |||
| Crop Protection | Biocontrol Agents | Macrobials | |
| Microbials | |||
| Biopesticides | Biofungicides | ||
| Bioherbicides | |||
| Bioinsecticides | |||
| Other Biopesticides | |||
| Crop Type | Cash Crops | ||
| Horticultural Crops | |||
| Row Crops | |||
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. |
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.
