Biologicals - Already
a Success Story in
Agriculture?
Crop production with bio-power: Tackling Challenges | Latest Study Results
What are the specific experiences of the first users? What are the expectations of farmers towards manufacturers of biologicals? And how do key influencers such as contractors and dealers evaluate biologicals? We will be addressing these and other questions in the coming months and share our findings here. The latest research results can be found right at the beginning of the article.
You can start our journey here.
July 3nd, 2024
Emotions towards Plant Protection: Chemical vs. Biological
We continue our journey: We have explored the emotions that farmers have towards chemical plant protection products and biologicals (biological plant protection products and biostimulants). We surveyed 586 farmers, including 540 conventional farms and 46 organic farms, among them our POWER|FARMERS. For the analysis, we used our tool PIC|MOTION, which we have been using for two years to measure emotions through images in a targeted and very successful manner.
In brief:
The differences between conventional and organic farms surprised us with their clarity. In conventional farms, positive and activating emotions dominate towards chemical plant protection products, while feelings towards biologicals are rather indifferent. In contrast, a clearly polarized picture emerges in organic farms: positive feelings towards biologicals strongly contrast with negative feelings towards chemical plant protection products. Thus, even though organic farmers show more positive emotions towards biologicals, they use these products just as often or even less frequently than conventional farmers.
The results in detail:
Conventional farms exhibit strong positive feelings towards chemical plant protection products - especially those with a high degree of activation, such as enthusiasm. Negative emotions are significantly weaker.
The feelings towards biologicals are clearly different and comparatively indifferent. Notably, negative feelings with a low degree of activation (e.g., shy, timid, sad, and depressed) are more pronounced than those towards chemical plant protection products.
Conventional farms exhibit strong positive feelings towards chemical plant protection products - especially those with a high degree of activation, such as enthusiasm. Negative emotions are significantly weaker.
The feelings towards biologicals are clearly different and comparatively indifferent. Notably, negative feelings with a low degree of activation (e.g., shy, timid, sad, and depressed) are more pronounced than those towards chemical plant protection products.
The emotional profile of organic farms paints a completely different, much more contrasting picture. Strong positive feelings towards biologicals (e.g., enthusiastic, pleased, proud) contrast with strong negative feelings (e.g., disgusted, ashamed, angry) towards chemical plant protection products.
The results of our study are particularly surprising because biologicals are not used more frequently on organic farms compared to conventional farms (see also our study from August 30, 2023). Approximately one quarter of organic farmers have used biological plant protection products in the last three years, and one in six have used biostimulants.
The results of our study are particularly surprising because biologicals are not used more frequently on organic farms compared to conventional farms (see also our study from August 30, 2023). Approximately one quarter of organic farmers have used biological plant protection products in the last three years, and one in six have used biostimulants.
Despite the emotional reservation conventional farmers have towards biologicals, the proportion of usage of these products is either equal to or higher than that on organic farms, especially for biostimulants.
Given the emotional landscape described towards biologicals on organic farms, the path is now open for increased utilization of this product category. However, a more thorough examination of the needs of these farms is necessary.
For more detailed information about our tool PIC|MOTION, click here, and for additional information about our panel POWER|FARMER, click here.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, requests, or ideas.
August 30, 2023
Of Opportunities and Prospects: A Journey into the World of Biologicals
Modern agriculture is increasingly sustainable and efficient, facing challenges that make innovative solutions more necessary than ever. The quest for environmentally friendly solutions for crop protection and enhancement has led to the development of biologicals - substances and agents of natural origin that could profoundly transform plant cultivation.
Biologicals also offer conventional crop protection manufacturers an exciting range of new possibilities to explore. Alongside developers, influencers, and users, Produkt + Markt embarks on a research journey, aiming primarily to consolidate and answer the questions of all stakeholders.
Doing so, we aim to connect biologicals manufacturers - and those who may want to become one - with the experiences and needs of key players in the development process, fostering an inspiring dialogue.
Biologicals also offer conventional crop protection manufacturers an exciting range of new possibilities to explore. Alongside developers, influencers, and users, Produkt + Markt embarks on a research journey, aiming primarily to consolidate and answer the questions of all stakeholders.
Doing so, we aim to connect biologicals manufacturers - and those who may want to become one - with the experiences and needs of key players in the development process, fostering an inspiring dialogue.
User Focus: Study Provides Insight into Practice
Who is already aware of this product category? And are there users already? Our research journey begins with an analysis of the status quo: Biostimulants and biological pesticides are no longer foreign terms for German farmers, as our recent surveys have shown.
To assess awareness and usage, we surveyed n=852 German farmers with more than 30 hectares of farmland - representative in terms of region and size distribution. The result: Almost 90% of farmers are aware of the product categories of biostimulants and biological pesticides. A significant share of farmers has actively tested these new product categories and can thus provide firsthand experiences.
Further Findings: Biologicals Between Hearsay and Test Usage
Biologicals have transitioned from initially mocked products to concrete solutions used in practice: Biological pesticides have been tested at least once by 20% of farmers, while biostimulants have been tested by as many as 32%.
Who are these pioneers? A look at the data reveals that, in addition to some perennial crop farmers, arable and mixed farms have also experimented with the use of biologicals - especially biostimulants.
And the data provides even more intriguing results, broken down by region or farm size class - Interested? Feel free to reach out to us!
What's particularly surprising is that, compared to organic farms, conventional farms have even more frequently gained experience with biologicals.
Grischa Muchowski - Senior Research Consultant Produkt + Markt
September 13, 2023
Biologicals in Tension: Potentials, Challenges, and Research Needs
Our most recent survey results confirm the significant interest in Biologicals in agriculture. The survey of 195 German farmers shows that over 90% of practitioners generally consider these products to be meaningful.
However, from the perspective of farmers, there is a substantial need for research to make these products suitable for comprehensive use in crop cultivation. Therefore, (potential) users are looking for further investments in product development.
The potential of these products is also evident in the fact that 12% of the surveyed farmers already find them useful in most cases, while more than 33% see a useful application under certain circumstances.
However, from the perspective of farmers, there is a substantial need for research to make these products suitable for comprehensive use in crop cultivation. Therefore, (potential) users are looking for further investments in product development.
The potential of these products is also evident in the fact that 12% of the surveyed farmers already find them useful in most cases, while more than 33% see a useful application under certain circumstances.
September 27, 2023
Potential and Challenges of Biologicals for agricultural service providers
The results of our survey of 150 agricultural service providers emphasize the importance of research and publications in the field of Biologicals. The profession, which is generally well-informed, remains cautious and uncertain regarding Biologicals.
Only a few are currently using Biologicals themselves or experiencing active demand from their customers. The service providers have only partially recognized the benefits of Biologicals so far, as there is room for improvement in terms of effectiveness and handling.
However, the service providers do see potential. Only a few believe that these products are exclusively for organic farms and are unsuitable for conventional farms.
Therefore, the challenge is to address these issues so that Biologicals can become a success factor for service providers, enabling them to attract new customers.
October 23rd, 2023
Biologicals in Practical Testing: Extensive Survey Among Users
We have surveyed over 100 users of biologicals to gather their practical experiences. A wide range of findings has been shared by the farmers, with approximately 90% of them representing conventional farms. They had fascinating insights to offer regarding the application of this innovative product group.
The primary focus of usage centers on biostimulants: Nearly all respondents incorporate them into their practices. Typically, a biostimulant is the most frequently used biological among farmers. Additionally, almost two-thirds of the users employ biological plant protection agents, with approximately 30% using these products regularly.
The most commonly used biostimulants are Utrisha N by Corteva and Nutribio N by Syngenta, followed by HardRock (OmniCult FarmConcept) and Megafol (Syngenta).
The most frequently used biological plant protection agent is NeemAzal (ProAgro GmbH, Biofa AG, Trifolio-M GmbH), followed by Funguran progress (Certis Belchim)
The most frequently used biological plant protection agent is NeemAzal (ProAgro GmbH, Biofa AG, Trifolio-M GmbH), followed by Funguran progress (Certis Belchim)
The primary crops differ depending on the product group. Biostimulants are predominantly used in winter wheat, followed by corn, winter barley, rapeseed, and sugar beets. Biological Plant Protection agents find their primary application in potatoes but are also used in sugar beets and corn.
The primary goal of applying biostimulants is to enhance plant strength and soil quality, particularly by improving nitrogen availability. Only a few anticipate direct yield increase. In the case of biological plant protection agents, pest control takes precedence.
Satisfaction among farmers with these products indicates room for improvement. Generally, biological plant protection agents receive slightly more positive evaluations than biostimulants. Notably, a common concern with biostimulants is the perceived lack of visible success, whereas potential improvements in application and handling are identified for biological plant protection agents. Price-performance ratio is a point of criticism mentioned by farmers for both product groups.
Considering that many respondents initially used the products for testing purposes, the willingness to reuse them underscores the significance of biologicals. Crucial tasks appear to be research and development aimed at improving effectiveness and user-friendliness, coupled with targeted communication efforts.
November 8th, 2023
Biologicals for Better Food: The Voice of Consumers
With our latest survey of over 500 consumers, we have gained exciting insights into the general population's attitudes towards aspects related to Biologicals. The results underscore the widespread presence of this topic.
The majority of respondents have a significant interest in the discussion of fertilization and crop protection in German agriculture and seek information on these topics through the media.
The livelihood security of farmers is a primary concern for consumers. They prioritize the support of domestic agriculture over ensuring food security, placing it ahead of affordable food prices when it comes to the use of crop protection products.
Moreover, consumers place great importance on environmental and health aspects when purchasing food. Over half of the surveyed individuals state that they pay close attention to ensuring that products do not contain residues, such as those from crop protection agents.
The desire for safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to ‘classical crop protection’ is also evident, as the majority of respondents highlight potential harm to wildlife and plants as the primary drawback of conventional crop protection products, followed by potential health risks.
Consumer responses to the term "Biological Pesticides (made from natural substances)" provide valuable insights into their expectations. They spontaneously view these products as a promising solution, with the majority of respondents believing that these products offer more benefits and cause less harm compared to chemical crop protection products. Many consumers even perceive the benefits of such products to be higher than those allowed in organic farming.
These findings underscore the potential of Biologicals. The products are perceived as promising and could make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and a more positive image among the population.
November 22nd, 2023
Biologicals - And how their development could continue
At the last stop of our journey this year, the agricultural retailers provided us with crucial information for the advancement of Biologicals.
The current central challenge in agriculture, according to the traders, is compensating for the loss of active substances, followed by compliance with political regulations. In comparison, other challenges take a back seat. Biologicals are already seen as a - albeit small - part of the solution.
Four out of five retailers already have Biologicals in their portfolios.
But the revenue is currently very low. However, the clear majority of retailers are convinced that the significance of Biologicals will increase clearly. More than half of the respondents believe that Biologicals will be important in 10 years.
The reason is evident: their environmentally friendly profile and the associated low regulatory requirements. Dealers see the growers of traditional field crops as the most relevant target audience for Biologicals, provided they are open to new approaches. Only a small percentage of traders consider ecologically operating farms as the primary target audience.
For dealers as well, the future success of Biologicals depends primarily on one factor: the products must be effective! To ensure this, they need to be tested, their effects proven, and the results published by independent and official bodies.
Retailers are optimistic: If the effectiveness is convincingly proven, Biologicals could play a significant role in agriculture, serving as an important complement to the (reduced) chemical crop protection."
The Future Starts Now: Let's Shape It Together
The loss of active ingredients in crop production presents significant challenges to the agricultural world. However, the industry wouldn't be what it is if it didn't invent innovative solutions for such issues. Biologicals are undoubtedly a part of that innovation. Join us on our research journey!
Contact us with your questions, wishes, and ideas. You can also commission exclusive studies on this topic from us, as usual.