Agricultural Microbials Market
By Type;
Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, and Virus.By Function;
Soil Amendment and Crop Protection.By Crop Type;
Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others.By Mode Of Application;
Foliar Spray, Soil Treatment, Seed Treatment, and Post-Harvest.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Agricultural Microbials Market Overview
Agricultural Microbials Market (USD Million)
Agricultural Microbials Market was valued at USD 10,204.41 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 26,489.89 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.
Agricultural Microbials Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 14.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 14.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 10,204.41 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 26,489.89 Million |
Market Concentration | Low |
Report Pages | 308 |
Major Players
- Marrone Bio innovations
- Corteva Agriscience
- Certis Bioloigcals
- FMC Corporation
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Agricultural Microbials Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The agricultural microbials market is rapidly expanding as demand for sustainable crop protection rises. Farmers are increasingly turning to biological alternatives to reduce dependency on chemical pesticides. Currently, about 55% of organic farming operations incorporate microbial-based products, signaling a clear move toward environmentally conscious agriculture.
Boosting Soil Fertility and Crop Resilience
Microbial solutions are gaining traction for their ability to enhance soil health and nutrient absorption. These natural agents strengthen root systems and defend against soil-borne diseases. Approximately 48% of commercial farms now use microbials to improve crop quality and reduce yield losses, underlining their effectiveness in supporting long-term soil productivity.
Innovation Driving Product Development
Ongoing advancements in microbial research and formulation are accelerating product innovation. Modern strains offer better resistance, targeted efficacy, and longer shelf life. In fact, over 30% of recently launched microbial products are tailored for specific crops and environmental conditions, showcasing the market’s progress toward precision agriculture.
Outlook for Biologically Integrated Farming
The outlook for the agricultural microbials market remains strong as more farms adopt biological solutions for soil and pest management. With market integration deepening, microbials are expected to contribute to over 50% of holistic farm management strategies soon. This trend underscores their growing importance in modern, eco-smart farming systems.
Agricultural Microbials Market Recent Developments
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In September 2021, Valent BioSciences LLC and Kansas State University, Manhattan, announced a formal long-term agreement to advance critical research in the areas of soil health and carbon smart farming. The joint research team would look at how MycoApply brand soil inoculants (containing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and soil conservation management practices interacted to affect soil health.
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In October 2021, UPL announced a long-term strategic collaboration with Chr. Hansen, a global bioscience company, to develop microbial-based BioSolutions (including biostimulants and biopesticides) that would help growers around the world fight pests and diseases and improve crop quality and yields.
Agricultural Microbials Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Type, Function, Crop Type, Mode of Application, and Geography.
Agricultural Microbials Market, Segmentation by Type
The Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Type into Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, and Virus..
Bacteria
Bacteria dominate the agricultural microbials market, accounting for nearly 75% of the total share. These beneficial microbes improve nutrient availability, enhance soil health, and protect crops against pathogens. Common strains include Bacillus and Rhizobium, widely used in biofertilizers and biopesticides.
Fungi
Fungi represent about 15% of the market and are essential for their role in enhancing plant nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. Species like Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae are effective in soil structure improvement and root colonization, contributing to greater crop resilience.
Protozoa
Protozoa make up approximately 6% of the market. These microorganisms help regulate bacterial populations, promoting a balanced soil microbiome. Their activity supports nutrient cycling, particularly nitrogen mineralization, and contributes to long-term soil fertility.
Virus
Viruses account for nearly 4% of the agricultural microbials market. Used in biocontrol strategies, they specifically target insect pests without harming beneficial organisms. Viral agents like baculoviruses are gaining traction in integrated pest management (IPM) systems for their high host specificity.
Agricultural Microbials Market, Segmentation by Function
The Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Function into Soil Amendment and Crop Protection.
Soil Amendment
Soil amendment holds a dominant share of around 60% in the agricultural microbials market. Microbials used for this function improve soil structure, boost nutrient availability, and enhance microbial diversity. They promote long-term soil fertility, reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and are widely adopted in both organic and regenerative agriculture.
Crop Protection
Crop protection represents approximately 40% of the market. Microbials in this segment are used as biopesticides and biofungicides, offering effective control against pests, pathogens, and plant diseases. These natural solutions are gaining popularity in integrated pest management (IPM) due to their environmental safety and target specificity.
Agricultural Microbials Market, Segmentation by Crop Type
The Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Crop Type into Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, and Others..
Cereals & Grains
Cereals & grains dominate the agricultural microbials market with a share of approximately 40%. Crops such as wheat, corn, and rice benefit from microbial inputs that enhance nutrient uptake, improve root development, and provide protection against soil-borne diseases, boosting productivity in large-scale farming systems.
Oilseeds & Pulses
Oilseeds & pulses hold nearly 28% of the market. Microbial solutions in this segment, particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria, improve soil fertility and support plant protein synthesis in crops like soybean, canola, and lentils. They are crucial in both conventional and organic farming practices.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits & vegetables contribute about 22% to the market. Microbials enhance post-harvest quality, improve plant immunity, and assist in nutrient cycling, making them ideal for high-value crops like tomatoes, grapes, and leafy greens grown in both open fields and greenhouse systems.
Others
The “others” category, accounting for around 10%, includes crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and turf grasses. Microbial applications here support residue decomposition, promote soil health, and increase resistance to abiotic stress, helping farmers maintain sustainable yields across diverse crop types.
Agricultural Microbials Market, Segmentation by Mode of Application
The Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Mode of Application into Foliar Spray, Soil Treatment, Seed Treatment, and Post-Harvest.
Foliar Spray
Foliar spray accounts for nearly 35% of the agricultural microbials market. This method enables direct application of beneficial microbes to plant surfaces, enhancing pathogen resistance, nutrient uptake, and leaf health. It is widely adopted in high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals for rapid and targeted results.
Soil Treatment
Soil treatment represents around 30% of the market. Microbials applied to the soil improve microbial diversity, boost nutrient cycling, and promote root zone health. This method supports long-term soil fertility and is commonly used in both conventional and organic farming systems.
Seed Treatment
Seed treatment holds about 25% of the market and involves coating seeds with microbial formulations to promote germination, enhance root development, and protect against soil-borne pathogens. It is especially effective in row crops like corn, soybean, and wheat for early-stage plant vigor.
Post-Harvest
Post-harvest applications contribute approximately 10% of the market. Microbial products are used to extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and prevent fungal contamination during storage and transportation. They are increasingly utilized in the organic produce supply chain.
Agricultural Microbials Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Agricultural Microbials Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Agricultural Microbials Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds the largest share of the agricultural microbials market, accounting for approximately 38%. The region is driven by a strong presence of biological product manufacturers, growing organic farming practices, and robust adoption of sustainable crop protection methods, especially in the United States and Canada.
Europe
Europe contributes around 26% to the global market. Stringent environmental regulations, increasing demand for chemical-free agricultural inputs, and growing consumer preference for organic produce are pushing adoption, with countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands leading the way.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific holds about 22% of the market, fueled by rapid agricultural expansion, government support for bio-based inputs, and heightened awareness of soil health management. China, India, and Japan are emerging as significant contributors to the region’s growth.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa account for nearly 8% of the market. Increasing challenges related to soil degradation, climate resilience, and food security are encouraging farmers to shift towards microbial-based solutions that support sustainable farming in arid conditions.
Latin America
Latin America represents approximately 6% of the market, with Brazil and Argentina being the primary contributors. The growing cultivation of export-oriented crops and rising interest in biological crop inputs are enhancing the demand for agricultural microbials in the region.
Agricultural Microbials Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Agricultural Microbials Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Rising Concerns Regarding Food Safety and Quality
- Growing Trend of Organic Farming
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Diseases and Pest proliferation - Changes in temperature and humidity create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pests and diseases, leading to higher incidences of infestations and outbreaks in agricultural fields. Warmer temperatures can accelerate the reproductive rates of pests, shorten generation times, and expand their geographic ranges, posing a greater threat to crop health and productivity. Altered precipitation patterns can create moisture stress or waterlogging conditions that exacerbate disease development in crops.
Climate variability influences the phenology and behavior of insect pests, affecting their life cycles, migration patterns, and interactions with host plants. Changes in temperature can synchronize pest emergence with susceptible crop stages, leading to intensified pest pressure and yield losses. Additionally, altered precipitation patterns may affect the availability of breeding sites and food sources for pests, influencing their population dynamics and spatial distribution.
Climate change introduces abiotic stress factors such as heat stress, water scarcity, salinity, and nutrient imbalances, which directly impact plant growth, physiology, and yield potential. Abiotic stressors weaken plant defenses and increase susceptibility to pest infestations and diseases, creating a feedback loop of stress and vulnerability in agricultural systems.
Restraints
- High Development Costs
- Storage and Shelf Life
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Shorter shelf life and complex storage requirements of microbial products - The rise in plant diseases and pest outbreaks is driving strong demand for agricultural microbials across global farming systems. Traditional chemical pesticides are facing increasing resistance from insects, fungi, and bacteria, prompting the need for more sustainable, biologically based solutions. Microbials, such as beneficial bacteria, fungi, and viruses, offer targeted action against specific pathogens without harming beneficial organisms or degrading soil health.
Climate change and shifting weather patterns are also contributing to more frequent and severe pest infestations and disease pressures, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Warmer temperatures, irregular rainfall, and longer growing seasons create conditions conducive to the spread of both native and invasive species. Microbial products provide farmers with a tool to adapt to these evolving challenges while reducing chemical input loads.
Additionally, microbial solutions help growers meet regulatory limits on chemical residues in export crops, particularly in fruit, vegetable, and high-value organic segments. As global trade compliance becomes stricter, the demand for biological crop protection and soil health improvement continues to increase.
With growers seeking to maintain productivity under rising biological pressure, agricultural microbials have emerged as an effective, environmentally friendly solution to reduce dependency on synthetic inputs and ensure long-term crop resilience.
Opportunities
- Increasing Demand for Sustainable Agriculture
- Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
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Large-scale investments in R&D by key market players - Major players in the agricultural inputs sector are making large-scale investments in microbial research and development, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and commercialization. These investments are focused on improving strain efficacy, enhancing formulation stability, and developing broad-spectrum microbial blends capable of addressing multiple crop challenges simultaneously.
Breakthroughs in biotechnology, such as genomics and metagenomics, are allowing scientists to discover novel microbial species and understand their interactions with soil and plant systems at the molecular level. This knowledge enables the development of targeted products that improve nutrient uptake, disease suppression, and plant resilience under stress conditions.
Strategic partnerships between biotech firms, agri-input giants, and academic institutions are accelerating product pipelines and scaling up pilot trials globally. These collaborations aim to fast-track regulatory approval, optimize field performance, and improve compatibility with existing crop management systems, including precision agriculture technologies.
As R&D spending continues to rise, the agricultural microbials market is poised to benefit from more effective, scalable, and farmer-friendly products, solidifying its role in the transition toward sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Agricultural Microbials Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Agricultural Microbials Market include:
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- Corteva Agriscience
- FMC Corporation
- Syngenta Group
- UPL Limited
- Nufarm
- Novozymes A/S
- Koppert Biological Systems
- Certis USA LLC
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Andermatt Biocontrol AG
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Function
- Market Snapshot, By Crop Type
- Market Snapshot, By Mode of Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Agricultural Microbials Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Rising Concerns Regarding Food Safety and Quality
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Growing Trend of Organic Farming
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Diseases and Pest proliferation
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- Restraints
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High Development Costs
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Storage and Shelf Life
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Shorter shelf life and complex storage requirements of microbial products
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- Opportunities
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Increasing Demand for Sustainable Agriculture
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Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
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Large-scale investments in R&D by key market players
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Virus
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Function, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Soil Amendment
- Crop Protection
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Crop Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Cereals & Grains
- Oilseeds & Pulses
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Others
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Mode of Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Foliar Spray
- Soil Treatment
- Seed Treatment
- Post-Harvest
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Agricultural Microbials Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- Corteva Agriscience
- FMC Corporation
- Syngenta Group
- UPL Limited
- Nufarm
- Novozymes A/S
- Koppert Biological Systems
- Certis USA LLC
- Marrone Bio Innovations
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Andermatt Biocontrol AG
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market