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HomePosts Tagged "Bionema Group"
Agbiologicals, Biofertilizers, Company News

An innovative project which aims to provide UK farmers and growers with a sustainable, environmentally friendly nutrient management solution is underway following a partnership between industry experts

The project, called ‘Biofilm Biofertiliser’, will develop a novel multi-species biofilm- based biofertiliser product that reduces the use of synthetic fertilisers by 40-50 per cent. By utilising a unique consortium of UK indigenous biofilm-forming plant growth- promoting bacteria (PGPB), which is tailored to UK soils, it will improve soil quality and plant/crop health, resulting in 20-30 per cent higher yields.

Formulation types include water-dispersible granules (WDG) and encapsulated options, which aims to improve nutrient availability, enhance soil health and foster a stable biofilm with a targeted minimum shelf life of up to 24 months. Following funding from the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, the project is being led by a consortium of partners including lead partner, Bionema Group, a global leader in biocontrol technology developer for crop protection and plant health management; CPI, responsible for the process development and production of samples for the UK field trials, and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, responsible for project management and dissemination/exploitation ensuring awareness raising and end-
user engagement.

As part of this project, three UK farmers and growers in agriculture and horticulture will be provided with a nutrient management solution which offers a low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilisers, improved soil and plant health, increased crop yields by 20-30 per cent and a reduced nutrient run-off. Additionally, the innovative biofilm-based biofertiliser will be produced and manufactured in the UK, reducing reliance on imports from global suppliers. Farmers and growers are facing the challenge of reducing synthetic fertiliser usage as required by law/regulations whilst increasing food production using more sustainable, organic farming methods to meet an ever-rising global demand.

Potential impacts
Bionema’s technology will benefit farmers and growers by improving soil quality, plant health and yields, thus integrating seamlessly into existing farming practises and leading to more sustainable farming, greater resilience and higher profits. There are many economic benefits including generating employment and revenue from new product formulations, established global partnerships and increased export opportunities whilst establishing the UK as a leader in biocontrol technology. Farmers and growers will also be contributing to lower GHG emissions, improved air quality and reduced environmental pollution from nitrogen run-offs. In addition, technology integration will streamline farming practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and resilience whilst the innovation will drive the biocontrol and biofertilizer sector forward, encouraging a shift from synthetic to bio-based solutions. The project aligns with UK and EU regulatory commitments to reduce synthetic fertilisers by 20 per cent by 2030 and supports sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Responsible Consumption and Production and Life on Land.
The project plan
In the earlier stages of the project, partners will focus on developing, optimising and validating formulations for the bacteria consortia, ensuring their stability, efficacy and
ease of application. The two main formulation types to be focused on are WDG and Encapsulation. Lab tests will comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of WDG and encapsulated
PGPR formulations in promoting plant growth, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving soil and plant health. This evaluation includes measuring seed germination, plant biomass, nutrient uptake, soil microbial activity, soil health indicators and plant stress tolerance under controlled conditions. Later in the project the partners will look at testing formulation sprayability and this work aims to evaluate spray characteristics, droplet size and droplet deposition on leaves from formulations received earlier in the project. The project combines cutting-edge expertise with conventional sprayers to assess spray characteristics and uses new technology to contribute to an innovative approach. During the project, field trials will be conducted for nutrient management with an aim to evaluate WDG and encapsulate biofilm biofertiliser formulations across various crops for efficacy and phytotoxicity at commercial farms over years two and three. The trials will assess strawberries for their yield, quality and health; potatoes for their yield, size and vigour; wheat for its yield, height and disease resistance; and ornamentals for their growth, flowering and aesthetics, compared to existing solutions. Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, as the lead SME partner for the Biofilm Biofertiliser project, said: “The Biofilm Biofertiliser project represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. “By integrating cutting-edge biofilm technology with UK-specific microbial solutions, we empower farmers and growers to reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilisers while enhancing soil health and crop productivity”. “At Bionema, we drive innovation in biocontrol, biostimulants and biofertilisers, ensuring that sustainable farming solutions are effective and economically viable for
farmers and growers. “This collaboration, supported by Innovate UK, brings together the expertise needed to transform nutrient management and set new standards for environmentally
responsible agriculture.” Kris Wadrop, Managing Director Materials at CPI, said: “At CPI, we are committed to driving innovation in sustainable agriculture by supporting the development, scale-up and commercialisation of breakthrough technologies”.
“The Biofilm Biofertiliser project is an exciting opportunity to develop a game- changing solution that enhances soil health and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers”.
“By leveraging our expertise in engineering biology, formulation science and advanced manufacturing techniques, we aim to help bring this novel biofertiliser to market, supporting UK farmers in adopting more sustainable and productive farming practices.” Richard Glass, Innovation Lead at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “This project will provide critical support to farmers aiming to increase both the economic and environmental sustainability of crop production by reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser”.

An innovative project which aims to provide

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Agrotech, Company News, Europe

The NemaGen™ range integrates seamlessly with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably.

UK based Bionema Group, a leading developer of biocontrol technologies for crop protection and plant health management, announced the launch of NemaGen™, a next-generation range of native beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes, at the British Turf Management Exhibition (BTME). The NemaGen™ product line includes offerings such as NemaGen™-CG and NemaGen™-LJ for chafer grubs and leatherjacket control I sport field, which feature native species like Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. These products are designed for superior adaptability and efficacy, specifically tailored to enhance local ecosystems such as low soil temperature. This innovative technology effectively tackles critical pest challenges in agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry, achieving an impressive 20-30 per cent improvement in pest control compared to conventional bioinsecticides and biopesticides while significantly reducing environmental impact.

NemaGen™ is a groundbreaking solution for biological pest control,” said Stephen Ford, CTO of Bionema Group. “By utilising native beneficial nematode strains, we provide highly effective solutions adaptable to our customers’ environmental conditions. This innovation underscores our commitment to sustainable practices that protect ecosystems while enhancing productivity in the industry.”

“Our NemaGen™ products go beyond pest control,” added Dr Ansari. “They empower growers, farmers, turf professionals, and foresters with sustainable tools to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides while safeguarding essential non-target species like pollinators and earthworms, vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem balance. This aligns with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture and food security.”

The NemaGen™ range integrates seamlessly with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods to manage pests sustainably. With its selective action against harmful insect pests, NemaGen™ minimises impact on non-target species and ecosystems, making it an environmentally friendly and practical solution for pest management.

Field trials conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024 across several UK golf courses, soft fruits, forestry, and agriculture demonstrated over 90 per cent control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs, supplemented by enhanced turf health with RootVita® biostimulants. These trials provided a practical programme for turf professionals.

The NemaGen™ range integrates seamlessly with Integrated

Agbiologicals, Biofertilizers, Fungicides, Herbicides, Opinions, World

By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder, Bionema Group, Wales, United Kingdom

The agricultural landscape is profoundly transforming as the global drive toward sustainability accelerates. The sector’s projected growth to a staggering $1.2 trillion by 2034 signals immense economic potential and underscores a significant shift toward environmentally responsible farming practices. With the agricultural biologicals market forecasted to surge from $16.7 billion in 2024 to $31.8 billion by 2029 (Markets and Markets, 2024), alongside significant expansions in agrochemicals and organic food markets, we are on the brink of a revolution in how food is grown, protected, and consumed.

Unprecedented Growth in Agricultural Biologicals

The global agricultural biological market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5 per cent, reaching $31.8 billion by 2029. Agricultural biologicals—including biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants—are essential to sustainable farming practices. These products enhance crop protection, improve nutrient efficiency, and restore soil health while avoiding the environmental damage associated with synthetic chemicals.

Several key factors are driving this shift:

•Consumer Demand for Organic Produce: Globally, consumers increasingly seek natural, chemical-free products, pushing farmers to adopt biological alternatives.

•Stricter Regulations: Governments in Europe, North America, and other regions are implementing stricter controls on chemical inputs, speeding up the transition to biologicals.

•Environmental Awareness: The adverse effects of chemical-intensive farming on ecosystems are becoming more apparent. Biologicals offer a sustainable solution with minimal environmental harm.

Regional Drivers of Growth

The Asia-Pacific region is set to be a significant growth engine for agricultural biologicals. Countries like India and China, with vast agricultural sectors and growing populations, are increasingly focusing on sustainable farming practices. Thanks to its stringent regulatory environment, Europe continues to play a leading role, mainly through the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims for a 50 per cent reduction in pesticide use by 2030.

The U.S. market is expanding rapidly in North America due to increased investment in biological research and innovation. Latin America, especially Brazil, is emerging as a critical player in biologicals, driven by its leadership in organic farming and alternatives to agrochemicals.

Agrochemicals: A Market in Transition

Despite the rise of biologicals, the agrochemicals market is expected to grow from $365.6 billion in 2024 to $491.69 billion by 2032 (Market Research Future, 2024). However, the narrative surrounding agrochemicals is shifting. Farmers are increasingly adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine biologicals with synthetic chemicals, balancing yield targets with environmental sustainability.

Agrochemicals will still play a role in global food production, but their use will increasingly be complemented by biological solutions to reduce environmental impact. This hybrid approach is critical in regions where fully transitioning to biological methods is not feasible due to scale, cost, or other constraints.

Organic Food: A Powerhouse Market

The global organic food market is forecasted to rise from $228.35 billion in 2024 to $658.38 billion by 2034 (Precedence Research, 2024). This reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences toward healthier, environmentally friendly food choices.

Organic farming emphasises sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health, making agricultural biologicals a natural fit for this market. Biopesticides, biofertilisers, and biostimulants are at the core of organic farming systems, replacing chemical inputs with natural solutions aligned with organic certification principles. Countries like Germany, the U.S., and France lead this trend, with robust organic farming sectors and consumers willing to pay premiums for organic products.

Regulatory frameworks shaping the market

The regulatory landscape is pivotal to the growth of agricultural biologicals. In the European Union, the regulatory framework has become increasingly favourable for biologicals, particularly with the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy, which promote sustainable food systems and aim to reduce pesticide use significantly. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also streamlined the biopesticide registration process, encouraging faster adoption.

In Brazil, one of the world’s largest agricultural markets, regulatory reforms have accelerated the approval of biological products. The country’s leadership in organic farming and favourable policy environment make it a key player in driving biological adoption in Latin America. Similarly, India has introduced initiatives through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its Farm Science Centres (KVKs) network to promote biological products.

However, challenges remain, particularly in harmonising regulations across regions. Global regulatory collaboration is necessary to establish consistent standards, reduce registration bottlenecks, and foster innovation.

Key trends driving growth

1.Innovations in Microbial Technology: Microbial research advances enable the development of highly effective biological products that target specific pests, improve nutrient uptake, and enhance plant resilience. Innovations in formulation technologies, such as encapsulation and controlled-release systems, are improving the stability and efficacy of biologicals, making them more viable for large-scale farming.

2.Consumer Awareness and Organic Certification: As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, demand for organic and sustainably produced food is rising. This shift drives the need for biological inputs that meet organic certification standards, further boosting the adoption of biological solutions.

3.Climate-Smart Agriculture: Agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Agricultural biologicals, particularly soil microbes, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and reducing the carbon footprint of farming practices.

Despite rapid growth, the agricultural biologicals market faces several challenges:

•Regulatory Hurdles: Fragmented regulatory environments across regions slow the approval process for new biological products. Harmonising regulations will be vital in accelerating innovation and adoption.

•Farmer Education and Confidence: Many farmers remain sceptical of biological products due to a lack of knowledge or previous experiences with ineffective or ingenuine products. Education and field demonstrations are essential for building farmer confidence and ensuring widespread adoption.

• Supply Chain and Scalability: The infrastructure needed to produce, store, and distribute biological products at scale is still developing. Investments in supply chain logistics, cold storage, and distribution networks will be critical to meeting future demand.

The Future of Sustainable Agriculture

The $1.2 trillion surge in the agricultural biologicals, agrochemicals, and organic food markets reflects more than just economic growth—it signals a global commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable, eco-friendly industry. As the world grapples with climate change, food security, and environmental degradation, the rise of agricultural biologicals offers a pathway to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Innovations in microbial technology, growing consumer demand for organic products, and favourable regulatory frameworks are positioning agricultural biologicals as a cornerstone of global food production. By investing in these sustainable solutions today, we are laying the foundation for a future where agriculture feeds the world and preserves the planet for generations to come.

Agriculture is no longer just about yields; it’s about balancing productivity with responsibility. As the agricultural biological sector evolves, it is poised to create a future where farming is both economically viable and ecologically sound.

By Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder,

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News, Europe, Fungicides, Herbicides

Company’s goal is to lead the way in biological agriculture technology, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

Bionema Group, a UK-based R&D company and winner of the King’s Award for Innovation announced a tender for marketing its groundbreaking range of environmentally friendly plant health management products for agriculture, horticulture, sports turf, and forestry. These innovative solutions are designed to enhance plant health, reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers, increase crop performance and yields, and improve soil health.

In response to growing public concern over the impact of synthetic fertilisers on soil health and the environment, Bionema is committed to providing comprehensive, eco-friendly alternatives.  Bionema’s extensive collection of researched biostimulants and biofertilisers offers practical solutions tailored for greenkeepers, racecourse managers, groundsmen, farmers, and foresters.  This initiative builds on Bionema’s product and technology acquisition by Syngenta in 2021, reinforcing our position as a global leader in plant health management, and introduces products based on advanced Biofilm technology.

Bionema has been at the forefront of developing sustainable agricultural products at Swansea University, Wales, headquarters for decades. Our growth aligns with evolving market demands, particularly in light of the EU’s commitment to reducing synthetic fertiliser use by 20 per cent by 2030. 

Our diverse range of products includes biostimulants such as PGPR, nutrients, prebiotics & vitamins, triacontanol, acetyl thiazolidine carboxylic acid, and calcium peroxide. 

Our biofertilisers feature nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, silica solubilizing bacteria, potash-mobilizing bacteria, sulphur-mobilizing bacteria, iron-mobilising bacteria, zinc-mobilizing bacteria, and manganese-mobilizing bacteria, all meticulously formulated to meet the needs of our customers.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, shared the company’s visionary outlook, “Our goal is to lead the way in Biological Agriculture technology, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Sustainable alternatives are essential with global trends shifting and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators. The EU’s ambitious plan to ban 50 per cent of pesticides by 2030 and significantly expand organic farming necessitates innovative solutions like ours. The EU aims to reduce fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030 as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy, focusing on decreasing nutrient losses by 50% without compromising soil fertility and increasing organic farming land by up to 25%.”

Dr Ansari emphasised, “While we are excited to introduce our new products, our unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration continues. We have achieved significant milestones, but our journey of progress is far from over. We are confident that the best is yet to come.”

Company’s goal is to lead the way

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Fungicides

This strategic initiative solidifies Bionema’s position as a global leader in crop protection and plant health management.

 Bionema Group, a renowned developer of sustainable agricultural biological solutions, announced a tender for marketing its pioneering range of environmentally friendly plant health management products for agriculture, horticulture, sports turf and forestry. These novel solutions promote plant health, reduce synthetic fertilisers, boost crop performance and yields, and improve soil health.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of synthetic fertile on soil health and the environment continue to escalate, Bionema endeavours to offer a comprehensive collection of over 40 biostimulants, biofertilisers and biosurfactants products and technologies, providing practical, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic initiative follows Bionema’s product technology acquired by Syngenta in 2021, solidifying its position as a global leader in crop protection and plant health management.

Over the past decades, Bionema has experienced significant growth to meet the evolving demands of the market. Its diverse product range now encompasses Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertilisers, and Efficacy Boosters tailored to agriculture, horticulture, sports turf and forestry.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, articulated the company’s vision: “Our objective is to lead as innovators in Biological Agriculture technology, reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. With shifting global trends and heightened demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are imperative. For instance, consider the EU’s ambitious plan to ban 50 per cent of pesticides by 2030 and significantly ramp up organic farming. Achieving such targets necessitates innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing. The EU aims to reduce fertiliser use by at least 20 per cent by 2030 as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy. These regulations focus on decreasing nutrient losses by 50 per cent without harming soil fertility and increasing organic farming land by up to 25 per cent”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly bolsters its presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing its ongoing research and development, farmer training, and additional services to advance biological solutions in various cropping systems.

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology facilitates the development of products boasting 20-30 per cent higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing alternatives.

Dr Ansari emphasised, “While we are delighted to unveil our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains steadfast. We have achieved noteworthy milestones, yet our dedication to progress persists, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come.”

This strategic initiative solidifies Bionema’s position as

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Biofertilizers, Company News, Europe

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30 per cent higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Bionema Group, a leading developer of sustainable biocontrol solutions, announced a tender for the marketing of their innovative range of environmentally friendly biological products. These groundbreaking solutions are designed to address crop protection and plant health management in the Agriculture, Sport Turf Amenity, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Forestry sectors.

As public awareness and concerns regarding the impact of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilisers) on human health, biodiversity, soil health and the environment continue to rise, Bionema aims to provide a complete collection of more than 60 biological products and technology that offer effective, eco-friendly alternatives. This strategic move follows Bionema’s transformative deal with Syngenta in 2021, congealing their position as a world-leading biocontrol technology company.

Over the past 15 months, Bionema has undergone significant growth to meet the progressing needs of the market. Their different product range now includes Biocontrol, Biostimulants, Biofertiliser and Efficacy Booster customised to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf & amenities, and public health.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, expressed the company’s vision, said, “Our goal is to be at the forefront of Biological Agriculture technology innovator, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. With changing global trends and increasing demands from consumers, society, and regulators, sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, consider the EU’s aspiring plan to ban 50 per cent pesticides by 2030 and significantly increase organic farming. Achieving such targets requires innovative solutions like the ones we are introducing”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio significantly enhances their presence in the Biological Agriculture sector, complementing their ongoing R&D, farmer’s training, and additional services focused on advancing biological solutions in different cropping systems.

The company’s innovative formulation and delivery platform technology enable the development of products with 20-30 per cent higher efficacy and productivity compared to existing products.

Dr Ansari stressed, “While we are pleased to introduce our new products, our commitment to innovation and collaboration remains unwavering. We have achieved significant milestones, but our dedication to progress continues, and we firmly believe that the best is yet to come”.

The company's innovative formulation and delivery platform

Biostimulants, Company News, Europe, Horticulture

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico.

Bionema Group, a prominent biocontrol technology developer and manufacturer specialising in crop protection and plant health management, has unveiled a new biostimulant product in the UK developed for application in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, turf, and amenities.

After a decade of dedicated Research and Development, Bionema Group is proud to introduce RootVita®, a groundbreaking product that harnesses the power of nature to revolutionise plant growth and soil health. RootVita® is a potent blend of biofertilisers, PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), essential nutrients, prebiotics, and vitamins.

Plants treated with RootVita® exhibit improved resistance to abiotic stress factors such as heat, drought and salt. Additionally, their roots tend to access more nutrients and absorb water more effectively.

The Bionema team conducted a series of glasshouse and field trials across various locations including the UK, EU, India, Canada and Mexico. The results of these trials suggest that RootVita® has the potential to enable farmers to reduce their fertiliser usage by up to 30 per cent, all while maintaining approximately 93 per cent of their crop yields. Specifically, in Bionema’s glasshouse trials, root growth was observed to be 35 per cent more robust when using a recommended mixture of 50 per cent fertiliser in combination with Bionema’s RootVita® product.

According to Dr Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema Group, “There has been a notable surge in interest surrounding biostimulants in recent years, driven by the increasing recognition of their benefits. Looking ahead, with the overall Biocontrol market anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7 per cent over the next five years, the biostimulant segment within this market is expected to grow at a rate of 11.8 per cent, reaching a value of $6.2 billion by the year 2027 (source: Markets and Markets, 2022). This rapid market expansion mirrors public concerns regarding the impacts of agrichemicals on human health, biodiversity, and the environment. Consequently, there is a growing demand for natural solutions to enhance crop yields and promote plant health”.

Bionema’s expanded portfolio enhances the company’s offering to the Biological Agriculture sector, and complements its ongoing research, training and other services in the continuing development of novel biological solutions. It reflects Bionema’s evolution in focus and strategy, announced in 2022 following the company’s deal with Syngenta that secured Bionema’s position as a top 20 world-leading biocontrol company.

Dr Ansari further emphasised Bionema’s aspiration to become a prominent developer of biocontrol technology, with the aim of diminishing reliance on chemical pesticides. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a transformation, marked by increasing calls for reduced chemical usage in agriculture. In order to sustain high crop yields and provide for a growing global population, it is imperative that we explore alternative, more sustainable approaches. Biostimulants emerge as a promising option to meet these demands.

The Bionema team conducted a series of