Connect with:
Thursday / November 21. 2024

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "United Kingdom"
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,

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, Supply Chain, Trade

The state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra

Turmeric fields in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya are attracting businessmen from India and abroad. The region’s Lakadong turmeric, considered the world’s best, is now in the news due to its freshness and curcumin content, which is used for pharmaceutical purposes and fetches a premium price.

After five years of implementing Mission Lakadong, local turmeric production in Meghalaya has transformed into a profitable economic activity with increased trade and farming opportunities. As a result, the state has been able to expand its exports to countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Despite this success, the state faces tough competition from other turmeric-producing states such as Telangana and Maharashtra.

If we compare the production of turmeric, it is seen that many other states surpass Meghalaya in terms of quantity. However, when it comes to quality, the situation is reversed. The West Jaintia Hill district cultivates three varieties of turmeric – Lachen, Lasain and Lakadong. While the first two have only four to five per cent of curcumin, Lakadong has an average of seven per cent curcumin. This variety is grown only by the locals of this small district, which is bordered by Bangladesh and Assam. Any efforts to grow this variety elsewhere have resulted in a sharp decline in its curcumin content.

The Meghalaya government launched ‘Mission Lakadong’ in 2018 to promote the cultivation and sale of turmeric. This involved appointing a nodal officer and working with groups such as Trinity Sio and Life Spice Processing Cooperative Society to find new markets and branding opportunities for farmers.

The state faces tough competition from other

Acquaculture, Sustainability, World

Seafood Scotland, the trade and marketing body for Scotland’s seafood sector, will co-host the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit

In conjunction with Seafood Scotland, the Global Seafood Alliance announced that the 23rd edition of its flagship event, the Responsible Seafood Summit, will be held at the Fairmont St. Andrews in historic St. Andrews on Scotland’s east coast from Oct. 21 to 24, 2024.

Seafood Scotland, the trade and marketing body for Scotland’s seafood sector, will co-host the 2024 Responsible Seafood Summit. At last year’s SEG, GSA and Seafood Scotland jointly announced that Scotland had won the bid. Seafood Scotland will work with the Scottish government and other seafood industry bodies to deliver the event along with GSA.

The Fairmont St. Andrews is Scotland’s largest conference facility, with more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space and 220 guest rooms. It is located just outside of the village of St. Andrews, which is known as the home of golf and is located only about 50 miles from Edinburgh.

This is the first time that the Summit will be held in Scotland or the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 2001, the Summit has been held in Europe three times – Madrid in 2008, Paris in 2013 and Dublin in 2017.

“Scottish seafood is highly prized in many key markets around the world and, having visited Scotland earlier this year, we already know that St. Andrews is a prime location for the 2024 Summit,” said Wally Stevens, GSA’s interim CEO. “Having spent the first two years post-pandemic in North America, we’re thrilled to be returning to Europe for our annual headline event and we’re expecting delegates from every corner of the globe to be in St. Andrews, particularly now that Asia has fully opened up.”

Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said, “The Responsible Seafood Summit is the largest international seafood business conference of its kind. The Summit provides a platform for the world’s seafood thought leaders to share knowledge and ideas and to participate in developing a healthy, responsible, global seafood community.”

Donna Fordyce, CEO of Seafood Scotland, added, “Scotland is one of the world’s most trusted seafood-producing countries thanks to our investment in quality, innovation and sustainability. We produce over 60 species of seafood and export to over 120 countries globally. Our industry spans world-class fish markets and expert processors to stunning sea loch farms and hand-dived shellfish. We will be ensuring our guests have an opportunity to experience the unrivalled seafood, latest innovations and sustainable best practices we can offer from Scotland.”

Seafood Scotland, the trade and marketing body