The global biocontrol agents industry is witnessing robust growth, and the trend will likely continue during the forthcoming period. This is mostly due to rising consumer demand for organic and chemical-free food products and stringent regulations on chemical pesticide usage.
Growing popularity of sustainable agriculture is acting as a catalyst triggering biocontrol agent sales. To capitalize on these opportunities, leading biocontrol companies are employing different organic and inorganic strategies. Let’s briefly discuss some top biocontrol agent companies and their market expansion strategies in biocontrol.
- Bayer Crop Science
Bayer Crop Science, a division of Bayer AG, tops our list of leading biocontrol agent manufacturers. It is known for its innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and offers a diverse portfolio of biological crop protection products.
Bayer Crop Science focuses on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, combining biological and chemical approaches to improve crop yield and reduce environmental impact. It is constantly investing in research and development to create advanced biocontrol agents, including natural predators and bioinsecticides.
The company is gradually shifting its focus towards developing microbial and RNA-based solutions for pest and disease control. Moreover, it is employing the merger & acquisition strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
In April 2024, Bayer announced that it would launch new bioinsecticide for arable crops in 2028 through a new agreement with AlphaBio Control. Bayern, through the new agreement, will gain exclusive rights to market the first ever biological insecticide, which will help farmers control pests in arable crops.
The novel bioinsecticides will help farmers to control pests in arable crops without impacting the environment. Their adoption is expected to grow rapidly as governments continue to introduce strict restrictions on synthetic pesticides.
- BASF Agricultural Solutions
BASF Agricultural Solutions, a division of BASF SE, is another prominent biocontrol agent manufacturer. It specializes in developing innovative biological crop protection solutions, including biofungicides, biopesticides, and plant growth-promoting microbes.
The company offers a diverse portfolio of biocontrol agents that cater to various crops. BASF’s products like BioSolutions have the tendency to help farmers and growers manage resistance, reduce residues, increase stress tolerance, and extend the windows of pest and disease protection.
BASF is increasingly investing in fermentation and biotechnology for microbial pest control. Moreover, it focuses on creating microbial solutions with improved shelf life and compatibility with IPM programs.
In February 2024, BASF announced the construction of a new fermentation plant at Ludwigshafen site. The new facility will be used to manufacture different crop protection products that will bring value to farmers. It will strengthen the company’s portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products.
- Syngenta AG
Syngenta AG is a prominent science-based agtech company that helps farmers across the world to grow safe and nutritious food without impacting the environment. The leading biocontrol company offers a wide range of biocontrols, biostimulants, and other products to enhance crop quality and quantity as well as address certain challenges in the biocontrol agent industry.
Investing in research and development (R&D) remains a top strategy for Syngenta AG to dominate the biocontrol agent industry. It is spending large amounts in R&D to develop novel biocontrol products as well as improve existing ones.
The company is also working on improving shelf life of its biological products and utilizing digital tools to help farmers implement IPM strategies. Similarly, it is forming partnerships and alliances with other companies to advance biological control solutions.
In September 2024, Syngenta Biologicals partnered with Provivi to develop and commercialize new pheromone-based biological solutions for pest control. The new solutions will be designed to safely and more effectively control detrimental pests in rice and corn.
In July 2024, Syngenta Crop Protection collaborated with Ginkgo Bioworks to enable faster launch of novel biological solutions. The former company will use Ginkgo’s AG biological capabilities for pioneering biological solutions.
- Certis Biologicals
Another leading biopesticide manufacturer is Certis Biologicals. The company has become a leader in commercializing new product innovations in biocontrol to solve modern agricultural issues. It focuses on licensing agreements to broaden its product availability.
In March 2025, Certis Biologicals announced the first EU registration of NemaClean, a novel biocontrol nematicide formulated with Purpureocillium Lilacinum microorganism. This product is designed to control rot-knot nematodes in fruiting vegetables.
In March 2025, Certis Biologicals joined forces with SDS Biotech K.K. to develop biological crop protection solutions.
The future of biological control agents market looks bright and exciting, with key players constantly introducing new products. Rising adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and growing awareness about the side effects of using chemical pesticides will likely fuel biocontrol agent demand.
This will also intensify the competition, prompting companies to use different strategies. As a result, the market may witness a rise in new product launches and approvals, acquisitions, and biocontrol agent partnerships in the forthcoming period. These strategies will further boost the target industry.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), global demand for biocontrol agents is set to grow at 8.3% CAGR during the assessment period. Total industry size will likely reach US$ 9.84 billion by 2034.
Sources:
Company: Ensun, BASF, Bayer, Syngenta AG
