The biocontrol market in Europe shows solid growth but faces some obstacles
Recent data from the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) reveals significant growth in Europe’s biocontrol market. The survey conducted in 2023 indicates that since 2016, this market has doubled and grown by 20% between 2019 and 2022, reaching a value of 1.6 billion euros in 2023 in Europe.
Biocontrol products are crucial in European agriculture, providing effective pest and disease control on over 28 million hectares, with 23 million dedicated to agriculture. This contribution is essential for ensuring food security and promoting Europe’s strategic autonomy in agriculture. The survey positions the biocontrol market as a significant player, representing 10% of the European crop protection market.
Despite these promising advances, Europe faces challenges that hinder the development of this market and jeopardise employment in the green economy. One main concern is the perception that Europe is “unattractive for new investments”.
According to IBMA’s CEO, Jennifer Lewis, one of the main causes of this situation is the lengthy regulatory timelines and processes that biocontrol products face in Europe. While in countries like the United States or Brazil, the wait for a complete safety evaluation and final use permit can be two or three years, European farmers face a waiting period of up to ten years.
In this context, companies like Biocontrol Technologies are playing a prominent role in developing innovative agricultural inputs that align with the demands of the biocontrol market. Their commitment to research and the production of effective and environmentally friendly products is crucial for addressing current challenges and leveraging the growth potential of the biocontrol sector in Europe.
The results of the IBMA survey highlight the situation that companies like Biocontrol Technologies had already anticipated, facing regulations and management periods that limit the entry of quality products into the market.
Consequently, these data reinforce the imperative need to address and resolve the problem of biocontrol inputs regulation in Europe. It is necessary for administrations to prioritise the evaluation of biocontrol products and meet regulatory deadlines.
