Global Biostimulants Market - 2025-2032

Global biostimulants market reached US$ 4,202.12 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 10,589.01 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2025-2032.

The global biostimulants market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, improved crop productivity and environmental protection. The market is expanding rapidly, with technological advancements, regulatory support and increasing awareness among farmers contributing to its growth.

Extreme weather conditions such as droughts, floods and heat stress are negatively impacting crop yields. Biostimulants, particularly seaweed extracts, betaine and silicon-based products, help plants develop resistance to abiotic stress by strengthening their natural defense mechanisms. For instance, environmental stresses such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures can severely reduce plant growth and crop yields. Biostimulants make plants more resilient to these stresses by activating their defense mechanisms. For example, they can induce the production of stress-related proteins and antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Additionally, the rapid growth of organic farming and residue-free agriculture is fueling the demand for biostimulants. Regulatory bodies such as the European Union, USDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are actively encouraging the use of biostimulants as sustainable inputs. With organic food consumption on the rise, farmers are shifting toward biostimulants as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Market Dynamics

Driver - Rising Organic Farming

The growing demand for organic food has led farmers to adopt organic farming practices, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biostimulants, which enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth naturally, align perfectly with organic farming principles.

For instance, in Europe, plant biostimulants are regulated under the EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR), Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which came into effect on July 16, 2022, defining them as products that stimulate plant nutrition processes, aiming to improve nutrient use efficiency and other plant traits.

Additionally, according to the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC), it actively engages with policymakers and regulatory bodies to address challenges and facilitate smoother market entry for biostimulants. This includes working on issues related to animal by-products, microbials and industrial by-products. Regular workshops and discussions with European Commission representatives and notified bodies ensure that the biostimulant industry's concerns are heard and addressed. With climate change and soil degradation posing a very real threat to food security and farmer livelihoods, EBIC's 2024 manifesto puts forward a vision that leverages the power of plant biostimulants to address these issues head-on.

Additionally, the global shift toward organic food consumption is a major factor driving the biostimulants market. Consumers are increasingly choosing chemical-free and sustainably grown produce, prompting farmers to adopt organic farming practices. Since synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are restricted in organic farming, biostimulants serve as a natural alternative to enhance crop growth, soil fertility and stress tolerance.

Restraint - Variability in Product Quality

One of the major challenges restraining the growth of the biostimulants market is the inconsistency in product quality and efficacy. Since the industry is still in its early stages of development, quality control standards remain unstandardized, leading to concerns regarding product reliability and effectiveness.

Many biostimulant products may lack proper ingredient concentration, contain unverified compounds or fail to deliver the promised benefits, ultimately reducing farmer trust and market penetration.

For instance, a study conducted in Europe found that nearly 30% of biostimulant products tested did not contain the listed active ingredients in the claimed concentrations.

This inconsistency creates uncertainty for farmers, who need products that provide predictable and measurable benefits for their crops. Similarly, in the United States, the Biostimulant Industry Working Group (BIWG) has highlighted that the lack of uniform product definitions and quality benchmarks makes it difficult for regulatory authorities to enforce labeling and performance claims, leading to skepticism among agricultural producers.

Furthermore, the need for more transparency and standardized testing procedures has made it difficult for biostimulant manufacturers to gain credibility. While organizations like the European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) and USDA are working towards developing clearer regulatory frameworks, the current lack of enforcement remains a hurdle for widespread market adoption.

Segment Analysis

Acid-Based Biostimulants: Driving Market Growth Amid Rising Demand for Sustainable Agriculture

The acids segment plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the global biostimulants market, as humic acids, fulvic acids and amino acids are widely recognized for their ability to enhance plant health, nutrient absorption and stress tolerance. Humic and fulvic acids improve soil structure, increase microbial activity and enhance root growth, making them essential in regions with poor soil fertility, such as parts of Africa and India.

In Spain, vineyards and olive farms increasingly use humic acid-based biostimulants to improve drought resistance and boost yields. Similarly, in the U.S., large-scale soybean and corn farmers integrate fulvic acid biostimulants to enhance nutrient uptake and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. Amino acids, another key sub-segment, are extensively used in horticulture, especially in China and Japan, to improve flowering, fruit set and crop resilience.

Major agrochemical companies like Valagro and UPL are investing in acid-based biostimulants, launching innovative products that cater to both organic and conventional farming. With the increasing shift towards sustainable agriculture and the need for higher crop productivity, the acids segment continues to drive the biostimulants market's expansion globally.

Humic and fulvic acids are essential components in agriculture, significantly enhancing soil structure, nutrient availability and plant resilience. Humic acids, being larger molecules, improve soil aggregation, porosity and water retention, making them crucial in drought-prone regions like parts of Africa and India, where farmers use humic-based soil conditioners to reduce irrigation needs.

Geographical Penetration

Biostimulants Trends in North America

North America holds a significant share of the global biostimulants market due to the growing adoption of sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices, novel product launches, government funding and advanced R&D capabilities are driving market growth in biostimulant products, driven by consumer demand for chemical-free and eco-friendly agricultural products.

For instance, in November 2024, Yara North America is launched the YaraAmplix biostimulant portfolio in the US and Canada, marking a significant milestone in promoting a sustainable, resilient food system. The portfolio, backed by over five years of research, aims to improve crop resilience, nutrient uptake, soil health and environmental adaptability.

Moreover, in February 2024, ICL Growing Solutions North America has launched BIOZ biostimulant Diamond 10-0-1, a carbon and nitrogen fertilizer designed to improve soil-plant relationships, currently available in the US market as a proven microbial solution for farmers and growers.

The biostimulants in US is expected to grow, especially in row crops like corn and soybeans. Despite slow adoption, biostimulants offer solutions to improve yields and manage costs, making them a compelling option as regulatory pressure increases and conventional crop protection products face restrictions.

Competitive Landscape

The biostimulants market in 2024 presents a dynamic and evolving competitive landscape. While the industry remains fragmented, with smaller and specialized companies making up 44.61% of the market, a growing concentration is evident among leading players.

BASF SE stands out as the market leader, commanding a 15.36% share, reflecting its strong presence and diverse biostimulant portfolio. Close behind, Syngenta holds 13.54%, reinforcing the dominance of major agricultural firms in this sector. UPL follows with 11.26%, showcasing its expanding influence and commitment to biostimulant solutions.

Bayer AG also plays a significant role, securing 8.18% of the market, signaling its continued investment in this space. Meanwhile, Yara, traditionally known for fertilizers, holds a 7.05% share, highlighting a growing synergy between conventional nutrient providers and biostimulant innovations.

Key Developments

• In October 2024, BASF SE expanded its BioSolutions portfolio by incorporating seaweed biostimulants from Acadian Plant Health, a leading marine plant company in Dartmouth, Canada. This partnership enhances BASF SE's biological offerings, broadens product availability in new markets and supports sustainable crop growth.
• In November 2024, Syngenta Canada Inc. introduced YieldON, a liquid foliar biostimulant that helps improve crop productivity in cereals, corn and other row crops.
• In January 2023, Sumitomo Chemical acquired FBSciences Holdings, Inc., a U.S.-based company specializing in biostimulants, which are naturally derived agricultural materials and a category of biorationals. The acquisition, set to be completed following the necessary procedures, marks Sumitomo Chemical's strategic move towards a full-scale entry into the biostimulant sector.

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