Adoption of agricultural biologicals soars, yet education gaps persist: study

By Agroempresario.com

The report, titled “Ag Biologicals: Revisiting Farmer Value, Perception, and Potential,” builds on the firm's 2022 research and examines farmer attitudes toward the biologicals market.

In 2022, 83% of U.S. row crop farmers were aware of agricultural biologicals. By 2024, awareness has risen to 87%, with familiarity with specific subcategories like biostimulants and biofertilizers increasing by 14%, the study reveals. The research was conducted in collaboration with The Fertilizer Institute, the Agricultural Retailers Association, and DCLRS.

Currently, 45% of U.S. row crop producers report using biological products, up from 37% two years ago. The report highlights that farmers who utilize biologicals consistently view them positively, with increased yield being the most common measure of success (85%), followed by profitability (45%).

Farmers not yet using biologicals indicated they would consider trying them if further evidence of profitability were presented.

Biologicals on the rise amid product restrictions

A key topic at the recent 2024 Salinas Biologicals Summit was the decreasing availability of traditional crop protection products.

Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia noted, “The fact of the matter is, we’re losing synthetic products at a pretty rapid rate now. Biologicals represent a huge potential solution that we need to realize.”

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency order to ban the use of weedkiller dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), citing its extreme danger. While DCPA is more commonly used on specialty crops, restrictions on products like dicamba and glyphosate could also affect row crop farmers.

Stratovation Group CEO Cam Camfield states that biologicals are on “a steep upward trajectory.” Farmers applying biologicals to crops like corn and soybeans view them as sustainable tools that enhance yields, profitability, and soil health.

Need for Enhanced Education

Despite the growth in adoption, the report underscores a need for greater education regarding agricultural biologicals.

Camfield points out, “[We learned] that a significant amount of additional education is still needed to help this market reach its full potential. Biological companies should continue to share performance results widely with influential farmers and their trusted advisors.”

Education was a recurring theme at Salinas, with “lack of education” identified as a major barrier to broader adoption. Dr. Pam Marrone emphasized, “[Growers] need more education to overcome the hurdle and start using biologicals effectively.”