Broader adoption of biological solutions in agriculture requires a focus on economic viability, market accessibility and collaboration among all value chain stakeholders
In recent years, there has been significant shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the agriculture sector. Within this context, biologics – derived from natural resources such as microbes, plants, pheromones and other sources – are emerging as crucial agricultural tools in this transformation.
Biological solutions have the opportunity to offer benefits for crop protection, soil health improvement, and regenerative farming practices. However, the ongoing discourse surrounding biologicals in agriculture contains uncertainties and misconceptions that warrant thorough exploration and discussion.
To explore this topic and dissect this prevailing discourse, Innovation Forum and Bayer Crop Science hosted a webinar on June 4th with agri-food stakeholders. We discussed the role of biological crop protection in modern agriculture, the existing criticisms and hesitancies in this area and how collaborative partnerships and initiatives within the food and agriculture industry can accelerate the commercialisation of the next generation of biological solutions.
Biological solutions are very diverse, despite only representing a small fraction of the crop protection market. Biological solutions involve all methods of crop protection that are not synthetic chemicals - this can take the form of plant extracts, natural products, microorganisms and they can be used to help protect pests, reduce the rate of disease and promote soil health through various forms of application such as on the seed, in the soil, or sprayed.
There is already a high use of biological solutions in fruit and vegetable production in large and medium-size farms. This is also the case with smallholders, who may be unaware they are already using biological methods.
A global survey conducted by Bayer found that 70% of farmers have used biologicals at least once – highlighting that there is an opportunity to increase the momentum for adoption by farmers.
The webinar discussion emphasised the necessity of economic viability, market accessibility, competitiveness and the support of all value chain stakeholders to achieve broader adoption of biological solutions in agriculture. Furthermore, there is a need for greater harmonisation in product types, regulation and investment for innovation to scale impact.
Mechanisms for supply chain collaboration – to exchange opinions, best practices and challenges – between farmers, brands, retailers, and innovators can ease the transition.
Bayer Crop Science takes a holistic view of crop protection and agricultural practices and aims to communicate to farmers that biological solutions can be integrated with existing agricultural practices as another tool for farmers to use.
Communication and education There are general misconceptions that biologicals offer a solution to immediately replace chemical crop protection, as well as that biologicals are unreliable, complex to use, and less efficacy as chemical alternatives.
Solutions discussed:
Addressing misconceptions and effectively communicating the benefits, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of biological solutions through data and case studies, can help educate farmers and stakeholders about the benefits and applications of biological products and in turn increase adoption.
It is key that any messaging highlights the role of biological solutions in agriculture in a holistic manner - that biologicals can be used in combination with traditional crop protection methods to enhance sustainability and efficacy.
Encouraging feedback and ongoing discussions within the agricultural community (for example through producer unions) can promote understanding and adoption of biologicals to provide greater support through the transition.
There is also an opportunity for branding and communication to target consumers and increase consumer awareness of the sustainability of the product, to also create a competitive advantage.
Economic viability and affordability Ensuring that biological products are reasonably priced and economically viable to compete with conventional methods is crucial.
Solutions discussed:
Market premiums and financial incentives for producers through government schemes or support from brands can play a part in increasing on-farm adoption.
Regulation
Regulatory inconsistencies between regions (eg France and Germany) create barriers for the adoption and harmonisation of biological solutions.
Solutions discussed:
Harmonising regulatory frameworks to facilitate investment and innovation in this emerging field is necessary to scale impact.
Webinar panel:
Benoit Hartmann, head of biologics, Bayer Crop Science
Christoph Breitenstroeter, head of crop strategy (fruits and vegetables), Bayer Crop Science
Washington, DC
3rd - 4th December 2024