Agricultural Microbials Market Outlook:
Agricultural Microbials Market size was valued at USD 7.33 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 43.8 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025–2037. In 2025, the industry size of agricultural microbials is estimated at USD 8.42 billion.
The key primary growth driver in the global agricultural microbials market is the increasing adoption of microbe-based technologies as part of sustainable agricultural policy initiatives encouraged by governments and international agencies. As of August 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency registered close to 391 microbial active ingredients, an indication of the growing regulatory environment that encourages biological alternatives to chemical pesticides. At the same time, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered in such programs as the 2021 "Microbials – A new tool for sustainable agriculture?" webinar, an indication of the use of microbials for efficiency in nutrients by millions of smallholder farmers worldwide.
The USDA National Agricultural Library documents microbial inoculants as a "billion-plus dollar industry" for the plant production sector, with expected rapid growth in five years. Microbial organisms such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium serve as raw material for inoculants from around the world, with manufacture both in mass fermentation plants as well as in localized installations. Though the US EPA and USDA do not have a centralized microbial producer price index (PPI), USDA certifies R&D activities targeting "industrial fermentation" and microbial product development as a reflection of coordinated government-facilitated capacity building. The US also has 357 registered microbial pesticide active ingredients, reflecting an advanced supply chain. International trade in microbials spans commodity farm paths. For instance, India had about 971 microbial products on lists by 2017, and this was an indicator of the country's production capability and export preparedness. Consumer demand for biopesticides is handled by the US EPA database registration and organic produce certification, reflecting emerging CPI stability as farmers diversify product portfolios. R&D expenditure is emphasized with USDA grants for research in microbial ecology and multilateral funding through FAO-IFA collaborations.
Global Agricultural Microbials Market - Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth drivers
- Accelerating demand for organic food and sustainable farming practices: The globally rising demand for organic food has increased interest in agricultural microbials, as they offer environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. The global organic food market is valued at $136 billion, with a 9 %+ growth between 2018-2022. Microbials, mainly comprising biofertilizers and biopesticides, support organic certification standards as they enhance soil fertility and plant immunity without leaving behind chemical residues. USDA reports have been corroborating the growth of microbial applications as organic-farming acreage in the U.S. increased by 18% from 2016-2023 in several high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and cereals.
- Regulatory push against synthetic chemicals: Although synthetic chemicals have been increasingly curtailed by more stringent regulations, it built up the relative advantage of the microbial solution. The European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy targets the reduction of chemical pesticide use by 51% by 2030, while numerous high-risk agrochemicals are being phased out and under review with the EPA. Furthermore, microbial alternative agents are being adopted at scale. Between 2020 and 2024, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) counts over 76 nations implementing policy frameworks in favor of biocontrol. Such a regulatory milieu shall enhance the CAGR of the microbial market by 14.8% annually, within 2025-2037.
1.Market Volume and Trade Trends in The Agricultural Microbials Market
Market Volume & Growth: Shipments by Country (2018–2023)
|
Country |
2018 Shipments (USD B) |
2023 Shipments (USD B) |
CAGR 2018–2023 |
Notes |
|
United States |
1.3 |
1.7 |
5.6% |
Sustainable farming & bio-input subsidies |
|
China |
0.8 |
1.5 |
9.6% |
Green agriculture policies; 500+ microbial products registered |
|
Germany |
0.5 |
0.6 |
4.9% |
EU pesticide reduction regulations |
|
India |
0.16 |
0.196 |
8.6% (2022) |
Surge in industrial-scale usage |
|
Southeast Asia |
0.4 |
0.39 |
— |
Projected 6.3% CAGR through 2028 |
Forward Outlook: Forecast Growth (2024–2028)
|
Country/Region |
Forecast CAGR 2024–2028 |
Key Drivers |
|
Global |
8.6% |
Regulatory pressure, organic & sustainable farming |
|
United States |
7.1% |
Policy support, precision ag |
|
China |
10.2% |
Rural modernization, green subsidies |
|
Germany / EU |
6.1% |
Farm-to-Fork Plan, biopesticide adoption |
|
India |
12.1% |
Ongoing organic expansion; export focus |
|
Southeast Asia |
9.6% |
Agrochemical substitution; investment incentives |
Competitive Landscape: Top 10 Exporters (2023)
|
Company |
HQ Country |
Export Share (%) |
|
Bayer CropScience |
USA |
12.6% |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
10.9% |
|
Corteva Agriscience |
USA |
9.8% |
|
Syngenta AG |
Switzerland |
8.4% |
|
FMC Corporation |
USA |
7.7% |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
Japan |
5.1% |
|
UPL Limited |
India |
4.9% |
|
Marrone Bio Innovations |
USA |
3.8% |
|
Nufarm Limited |
Australia |
3.6% |
|
LG Chem |
South Korea |
2.8% |
2.Price- History, Unit Sales Volumes, And Factors Affecting Price
Historical Price & Sales Trends (2019–2023)
|
Year |
Global Unit Sales (M tons) |
Avg. Price (USD/ton) |
North America Avg Price |
Europe Avg Price |
Asia Avg Price |
|
2019 |
2.86 |
1,151 |
1,121 |
1,181 |
1,091 |
|
2020 |
3.11 |
1,181 (+2.7%) |
1,151 |
1,211 (+2.6%) |
1,121 |
|
2021 |
3.41 |
1,307 (+10.3%) |
1,261 (+9.7%) |
1,351 (+11.7%) |
1,231 (+9.9%) |
|
2022 |
3.76 |
1,271 (−2.4%) |
1,231 (−2.4%) |
1,331 (−1.5%) |
1,221 (−0.8%) |
|
2023 |
4.01 |
1,321 (+3.9%) |
1,251 (+1.6%) |
1,401 (+5.3%) |
1,271 (+4.1%) |
Key Factors Influencing Prices
|
Factor |
Impact on Price |
Statistical Evidence |
|
Supply-chain disruptions |
+11% to +16% surge |
EPA: 14% increase in shipping costs in 2021 due to logistics bottlenecks |
|
Raw material cost volatility |
±3–6% annual variation |
USDA: 5% rise in fermentation substrate costs (2020–2023) |
|
Regulatory change |
+6% pricing premium |
FAO: 6% premium observed post-EU pesticide restriction in 2022 |
Regional Price & Sales Volume by Sector (2019–2023)
|
Year |
Region |
Sector |
Unit Sales (K tons) |
Avg. Price (USD/kg) |
YoY Price Change (%) |
|
2019 |
North America |
Biofertilizers |
451 |
3.21 |
- |
|
Biopesticides |
351 |
4.11 |
- |
||
|
Plant Growth Promoters |
201 |
3.76 |
- |
||
|
2020 |
North America |
Biofertilizers |
491 |
3.29 |
+2.6% |
|
Biopesticides |
371 |
4.21 |
+2.5% |
||
|
Plant Growth Promoters |
221 |
3.86 |
+2.8% |
||
|
2021 |
Europe |
Biofertilizers |
531 |
3.46 |
+5.3% |
|
Biopesticides |
391 |
4.51 |
+7.1% |
||
|
Plant Growth Promoters |
241 |
4.01 |
+3.8% |
||
|
2022 |
Asia Pacific |
Biofertilizers |
601 |
3.31 |
-4.4% |
|
Biopesticides |
421 |
4.26 |
-5.7% |
||
|
Plant Growth Promoters |
261 |
3.91 |
-2.6% |
||
|
2023 |
Asia Pacific |
Biofertilizers |
641 |
3.41 |
+3.1% |
|
Biopesticides |
451 |
4.41 |
+3.4% |
||
|
Plant Growth Promoters |
281 |
4.01 |
+2.7% |
Challenges
- Regulatory and compliance challenges: The agricultural microbials market is heavily regulated due to environmental and health safety concerns. Fragmented regulatory frameworks worldwide complicate compliance, making product approval processes time-consuming and resource-intensive. For example, regulations on pesticides in the European Union are very strict, making it challenging to bring new microbial products to market, limiting the market share. Additionally, incompatible standards in developing and developed economies restrict globalization and scalability. The fragmentation forces firms to design-by-location, raising production complexity and expense and making supply chains more difficult. Innovation is therefore postponed, and there are entry barriers for small firms, limiting aggregate market growth.
- Raw material supply and pricing volatility: The firm heavily depends on specific microbial strains and raw materials, which are susceptible to supply chain disruptions and price swings. Seasonal farming, climate change impacts, and geopolitical instability are some of the drivers of why raw materials get scarce and costly. For instance, disruption of the supply chain of raw materials for fermentation in major production hubs such as India and China has caused prices to rise, impacting the product's affordability in direct proportion. Higher input prices reduce manufacturers' margins and translate to higher final product prices for consumers, stifling demand, especially in price-sensitive emerging economies. This volatility discourages long-term investment in microbial innovations and kills market stability.
Global Agricultural Microbials Market Size and Forecast:
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
14.8% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 7.33 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 43.8 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Agricultural Microbials Market Segmentation:
Microbial Type Segment Analysis
The bacterial microbials segment is projected to account for approximately 45% of the market by 2037. Beyond their commercial significance, these microbes contribute to enhanced crop productivity by facilitating nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and biocontrol of plant pathogens. Bacterial inoculants are widely applied to a variety of crops, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes bacterial microbial products as environmentally safer alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers that contribute to environmental pollution. Better strain development of bacteria has increased their viability and efficiency under changing environmental conditions and thus has contributed to their wide application throughout the world. Besides parallel development of the worldwide integrated pest management (IPM) and precision agriculture, the usage of bacterial microbials is expected to also be supported because of their beneficial impact on sustainable agriculture production.
Application Segment Analysis
By 2037, the biofertilizers segment is expected to hold the largest share of application sales within the global agricultural microbial market, comprising 42% of the total. It is driven by a worldwide demand for sustainable agriculture and improved soil health. Biofertilizers increase the fertility potential of soil with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through enhanced microbial populations, thereby lessening the application of chemical fertilizers. Governments across the globe are supporting their use through grants and legislation that restrict the use of chemical fertilizers so that environmental pollution may be checked. For instance, the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Union is asking to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers by 21% by 2030, so it is creating a gap for biofertilizers. Further growth is being caused by the market for organic farms and consumer demand for chemical-free fruits and vegetables. Innovation of microbial products to maximize efficient nutrient uptake is also another factor that keeps the market moving forward.
Our in-depth analysis of the global agricultural microbials market includes the following segments:
|
Formulation Type |
|
|
Application |
|
|
Microbial type |
|
|
Crop type |
|
Vishnu Nair
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Agricultural Microbials Market - Regional Analysis
North America Market Insights
North America is expected to experience a 14.7% CAGR during the period 2025-2037, with a 34% market, driven by rising demand for sustainable farming and organic food production. The U.S. dominates with 70% market share, fueled by EPA approvals for 120+ microbial products and adoption by 60% of row-crop farmers. Canada is witnessing 12% YoY growth, supported by government initiatives like the $1.5B Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. Key segments include biofertilizers (45% share) and biopesticides (30% share), with major players like Bayer, BASF, and Novozymes expanding microbial portfolios. Increasing resistance to chemical inputs and 20% higher crop yield claims from microbial use are accelerating adoption.
The US is likely to hold over 28% of the global agricultural microbials value by 2037, driven by demand for sustainable farming and organic crop production. The EPA has approved 150+ microbial products, with 65% of U.S. row-crop farmers adopting microbial solutions to enhance soil health and reduce chemical use. Biofertilizers dominate 50% of the market, while biopesticides account for 30%, fueled by rising resistance to synthetic inputs. Leading companies like Bayer, BASF, and Marrone Bio Innovations are expanding microbial portfolios, supported by $500M+ in R&D investments since 2020. Field trials show 15–20% yield boosts with microbial use, accelerating adoption.
Canada is expected to account for approximately 6% of the global market for agricultural microbials in 2037, evidence of strong support for climate-resilient farming and regenerative farming products at the federal and provincial levels. Its investments go towards microbial soil health solution innovation, biofertilizers, and biopesticides. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) also launched the Agriscience Program, which is aimed at funding R&D collaborations for agribusiness and universities to develop microbial applications in crops like lentils, wheat, and barley. Microbial inputs are also gaining more traction in the British Columbia and Ontario greenhouse sectors, driven by tax credits and energy rebates on green production. Health Canada and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) accelerated registration for microbial products through amendments to pre-market risk assessment guidelines, improving market access.
Asia Pacific Market Insights
During 2037, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) is expected to account for approximately 28% of the global agricultural microbials market. This high share is attributed to fast growth in sustainable agriculture and microbial biopesticide adoption in developing markets. China led the market, with its initiatives to reduce pesticide use by 12% in horticulture and 7% in row crops, leading to microbial solution adoption. Indian organic land cover, which expanded by 79% to 4.74 million hectares in 2022, further boosted the market's growth. Government incentives (e.g., India's Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana), free microbial sample schemes (Vietnam, Indonesia), and growing export demand for residue-free production are some of the drivers. Public-private sector facilitated technology innovations like India's ICAR-devised Tricholime biofertilizer have made fertilizers more efficient.
China is expected to own 38.6% of the APAC agricultural microbials market share by 2037 on the back of its high-capacity manufacturing capability, universal adoption, and government-supported sustainability push. China harvested 618 million tons of vegetables and 268 million tons of fruits in 2023 and harbors an enormous domestic demand for soil and pest management solutions. More than 500 microbial products have been endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture since 2016, promoting one of the world's largest indigenous production systems. Domestic pesticide reduction and carbon neutrality strategies further encouraged bio-based solutions. China's 14th Five-Year Plan establishes agri-greening as a top priority, and ambitious development in the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides with subsidies. China's integrated sales, manufacturing, and R&D vertically ensure microbial solutions that are cost-effective, deployable, and scalable, solidifying its leadership of the market till 2037.
India is expected to experience the APAC agricultural microbials market's highest CAGR in 2025–2037 with a 24.8% market share, driven by increases in organic farming, government incentives, and R&D advancements. Organic farm land increased 79% between 2015 and 2023 to 4.73 million hectares. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) schemes of the government facilitate subsidized microbial inputs and training of farmers. Industrially, the Indian manufacturers are producing at a rapid pace with the funds provided by the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology. Its growth is also driven by rising organic foodstuffs exports, which in 2023 rose to over $1 billion. Continued growth in the manufacturing of microbial inputs and public research agency-private seed/fertilizer company partnerships is accelerating adoption. The table below estimates the Asia Pacific agricultural microbials market revenue contribution by country in 2037 (in USD billion) based on expected market trends and contribution per country.
Asia Pacific Agricultural Microbials Market Revenue Share by Country For 2037
|
Country |
% Share of APAC Market (2037) |
Key Government Initiatives |
Major Growth Drivers |
|
China |
38.6% |
Subsidies for biofertilizer adoption; National Agro-Ecological Plan |
Growing organic farming demand, the government pushes for reduced chemical pesticide use |
|
India |
24.8% |
Soil health management programs; bio-input promotion schemes |
Expansion of organic farms; rising awareness of sustainable agriculture |
|
Japan |
10.7% |
MAFF subsidies for microbial use; R&D grants for bio-agriculture |
Strong government R&D support; demand in rice & horticulture sectors |
|
South Korea |
5.6% |
Green farming policies, eco-friendly pesticide reduction targets |
Rapid adoption of sustainable agri-tech; government-backed innovation programs |
|
Australia |
4.4% |
National Soil Strategy; biosecurity regulations promoting microbial products |
Growing demand for organic produce, strict pesticide regulations |
|
Indonesia |
3.6% |
Agricultural modernization plans, biofertilizer subsidies |
Large-scale farming expansion; the government focuses on food security |
|
Malaysia |
2.8% |
Green technology incentives, bio-input promotion policies |
Smallholder farmer adoption: government support for sustainable farming |
|
Taiwan |
2.1% |
Eco-friendly agriculture initiatives; R&D funding for microbial products |
High-tech farming adoption; export-oriented organic farming growth |
|
Thailand |
1.7% |
Government organic farming support, pesticide reduction programs |
Increasing organic farm acreage, consumer preference for natural foods |
|
Singapore |
1.2% |
Urban farming incentives, clean agriculture policies |
Vertical farming growth, demand for pesticide-free crops |
|
Philippines |
0.9% |
Sustainable agriculture projects; farmer education programs |
Growing smallholder organic farming, rising export demand |
|
Vietnam |
0.9% |
National biofertilizer promotion; integrated pest management (IPM) |
Rapid agri-tech adoption; government subsidies for bio-inputs |
|
New Zealand |
0.5% |
Sustainable farming grants, microbial product registration support |
Strong organic market; environmental protection regulations |
|
Rest of APAC |
1.6% |
Varied country-specific sustainability initiatives |
Emerging markets’ agricultural modernization and bio-input adoption |
Europe Market Insights
The agricultural microbials market in Europe is expected to account for approximately 22% of the overall global market share by 2037, which is expected to make it one of the leading regional markets in this sector. The market in Europe was about USD 4.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow consistently to reach an estimated value of USD 9.4 billion by 2037 at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2037. Europe's growth is driven primarily by increased usage of sustainable agricultural practices, support by governments in favor of the application of bio-based crop protection, and stringent regulations limiting synthetic chemical use. The European Union Farm to Fork strategy also fuels demand by asking for a 51% decrease in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, accelerating the adoption of microbial products.
European Agricultural Microbials Market: Country-Wise Insights
|
Country |
Key Microbial Products |
Adoption Rate (2023) |
Production Capacity (Metric Tons/Year) |
Top Applications |
Government Initiatives |
|
Germany |
Biofertilizers, Biopesticides |
55% of farms |
12,500+ |
Cereals, Horticulture |
EU Green Deal subsidies for organic farming |
|
France |
Nitrogen-fixing microbes |
48% of farms |
9,800+ |
Vineyards, Row Crops |
"4 per 1000" Soil Carbon Initiative |
|
Spain |
Biocontrol agents |
40% of farms |
7,200+ |
Olive Groves, Citrus |
National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (2023) |
|
Italy |
Mycorrhizal fungi |
42% of farms |
6,500+ |
Wine Grapes, Vegetables |
CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) organic incentives |
|
Netherlands |
PGPR, Biostimulants |
60% of farms |
8,000+ |
Greenhouse Cultivation |
"Circular Agriculture" Policy (2025 targets) |
|
Poland |
Phosphorus-solubilizing microbes |
35% of farms |
4,500+ |
Potatoes, Rapeseed |
EU-funded "Eco-Schemes" for smallholders |
Key Agricultural Microbials Market Players:
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The global agricultural microbials market is highly competitive, led by multinational corporations from the USA, Europe, and Asia. Key players focus on innovation through R&D investments in sustainable and bio-based agricultural solutions to meet rising environmental regulations. Strategic initiatives include mergers and acquisitions, expansion of product portfolios, and geographic penetration, particularly in emerging markets. Companies like Bayer and BASF leverage advanced biotechnologies to strengthen their market positions, while Asian manufacturers such as Sumitomo Chemical and Mitsui Chemicals emphasize local market expansion and government collaborations to foster growth. The sector is poised for dynamic growth driven by sustainability trends and regulatory compliance.
Top 15 Global Agricultural Microbials Manufacturers
|
Company Name |
Country |
Estimated Market Share (%) |
|
Bayer CropScience |
USA |
12.6% |
|
BASF SE |
Germany |
10.9% |
|
Corteva Agriscience |
USA |
9.8% |
|
Syngenta AG |
Switzerland |
8.4% |
|
FMC Corporation |
USA |
7.7% |
|
Marrone Bio Innovations |
USA |
5.5% |
|
Sumitomo Chemical |
Japan |
xx% |
|
UPL Limited |
India |
xx% |
|
Nufarm Limited |
Australia |
xx% |
|
LG Chem |
South Korea |
xx% |
|
BASF Malaysia Sdn Bhd |
Malaysia |
xx% |
|
Valent BioSciences |
USA |
xx% |
|
Evonik Industries AG |
Germany |
xx% |
Here are a few areas of focus covered in the competitive landscape of the market:
Recent Developments
- In April 2025, Bayer AG launched its new range of microbial biofertilizers at the World AgriTech Innovation Summit in Amsterdam. The product line, developed with cutting-edge microbial strains, promises up to 15% yield improvement in staple crops and aims to reduce synthetic fertilizer dependency, supporting Europe’s Green Deal targets.
- In October 2024, Syngenta AG announced a $180 million global investment plan to expand R&D in microbial biopesticides. The initiative targets markets in North America and Asia-Pacific and includes partnerships with local research institutes to accelerate the commercialization of sustainable crop protection solutions by 2030.
- Report ID: 7863
- Published Date: Jul 07, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
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