SOIL ACTIVE HERBICIDES MARKET ANALYSIS

The limited availability of organic farmland is posing a major challenge for the growth of the global soil active herbicides market. Organic farmland makes up a very small percentage of total agricultural land worldwide. According to data from the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, only around 1-2% of the total agricultural land is certified organic farmland. This shortage of organic farmland restricts the scope for adoption of soil active herbicides which are mostly used in organic farming systems. Soil active herbicides are typically used in organic agriculture to control weeds as synthetic chemical herbicides are not permitted in organic farming as per international standards and regulations. However, the limited supply of organic farmland leads to lower demand for herbicides that are suitable for organic use. Many farmers also hesitate to transition to organic practices mainly due to lack of premium price realization for organic produce and insufficient availability of organic farmland in their regions. This adversely impacts the sales potential of soil active herbicides designed for organic agricultural systems.

Market Opportunities: Growing demand from millennial consumer base

The millennial consumer base around the world represents a significant opportunity for the global soil active herbicides market. Millennials, defined as those born between early 1980s to mid-1990s, are now between 25-40 years old and make up over 25% of the population in many major economies. They are highly educated, socially conscious, and financially independent consumers who are actively involved in home and gardening activities.  Recent studies show that over 60% of millennial homeowners in Western Europe and North America actively grow fruits, vegetables or landscaping plants in their homes1. This trend is also seen in urban areas of many developing countries in Asia and Latin America as more young people purchase homes and desire private outdoor spaces. With their passion for organic and sustainable living, many millennials prefer using natural and non-chemical products for plant care. Soil active herbicides that are marketed as environmentally-friendly options for weed control without residues are well-aligned with the preferences of this consumer group.