Crop Protection Chemicals Market Size & Forecast

The Crop Protection Chemicals Market is projected to reach $88 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The growth of this market can be attributed to the rising demand for low-cost crop protection solutions, the growing need to increase crop yield and quality, growing awareness about environmental safety, increasing adoption of advanced agricultural practices and technologies, and rapidly decreasing agricultural land. However, growing concerns over chemical residues in food and stringent and non-standardized regulations hinder the growth of this market. Moreover, an increasing focus on integrated pest management, the growing adoption of biological seed treatments, and emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are expected to generate significant growth opportunities for the stakeholders in the crop protection chemicals market.

On the other hand, lengthy product registration and approval processes and the complicated process of developing film coating for seed treatment pose a major challenge to market growth. The latest trends in the global crop protection chemicals market are sustainability and bio-based solutions and digitalization and precision agriculture.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Growth Drivers

Growing Need to Increase Crop Yield and Quality Boost the Growth of the Crop Protection Chemicals Market

The world population is growing rapidly. According to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN), the global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion by 2030, 9.8 billion by 2050, and 11.2 billion by 2100. This rise in global population is posing a burden on the world's resources to provide more and different types of food. Also, there has been a growing demand for nutrient-dense and residue-free food products due to growing health awareness, socio-economic changes, increased incomes, and rapid urbanization.

The agricultural sector plays a vital role in the stability of the global economy. The global demand and consumption of crops for food, feed, and fuel are increasing rapidly, consequently driving the need to increase crop yield. Since crop yields are becoming increasingly important, the demand for cost-effective strategies to boost crop yields is also rising significantly. Furthermore, the decline in agricultural land has driven agricultural producers to become more efficient and productive to meet the global food demand.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the demand for cereals for human consumption and animal feed is projected to reach 3 billion tonnes by 2050, a significant increase from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2018. In addition, the rising demand for biofuels will continue to exert upward pressure on commodity prices, affecting food security and poverty levels in developing countries. Thus, crop protection chemicals and modern agricultural practices with advanced technologies are necessary for breaking yield barriers and enhancing crop productivity to meet the global food demand while ensuring environmental safety. Crop protection chemicals provide farmers with a cost-effective way of improving crop yield and quality.

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Growing Awareness About Environmental Safety to Drive the Growth of the Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Biopesticides are valuable tools for growers as they are highly effective in managing pests and diseases without negatively impacting the environment, and their active and inert ingredients are generally considered safe. Besides the microbial content, carrier media for formulating biopesticides consist of several organic materials, such as animal broth, organic materials, or organic waste products. The media is a biodegradable material. Biopesticides support the stability and sustainability of the agroecosystem as they do not negatively impact the environment.

Besides their impacts on humans, pesticides cause significant damage to the environment. There have been many cases around the world wherein freshwater used for agriculture was polluted with harmful pesticides, causing serious damage to the freshwater flora and fauna. Therefore, many environmental organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, have been opposing pesticides. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Public Health Institute, California Department of Health Services, and the UC Berkeley School of Public Health found a six-fold increase in risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for children of women who were exposed to organochlorine pesticides. These factors are driving the demand for biopesticides in the global market.

Biologicals are always safer and easier on the environment than chemical products. Biopesticides are often formulated to only affect the target pest and closely related organisms (selective) in direct contrast to chemical pesticides, which frequently offer broad sweeping coverage (non-selective) that negatively impacts insects, birds, and anything else that comes into contact with them. Biopesticides contain natural organisms or products and pose a lower threat to the environment and human health. Biopesticides have gained much importance in pest management and have long been promoted as prospective alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Although biopesticide use is increasing by almost 10% every year globally, there is still a considerable amount of time before biopesticides completely replace chemical pesticides.

Thus, the growing awareness about environmental safety is boosting the use of biological crop protection products, driving the growth of this market.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends

Sustainable and Bio-based Solutions

Sustainable and bio-based solutions are emerging as a major trend in the global crop protection chemicals market, driven by increasing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Traditional chemical pesticides and herbicides have long been associated with environmental degradation, soil health deterioration, and negative impacts on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and wildlife. In response, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives that can protect crops effectively without harming the ecosystem. Bio-based solutions derived from natural sources, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and other organic materials, offer a promising alternative. These solutions include biopesticides, biofungicides, and bioherbicides that work in harmony with the environment, reducing chemical residues in food products and minimizing the risk of pest resistance.

Moreover, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly imposing restrictions on the use of synthetic chemicals, encouraging the adoption of bio-based products. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology and research are leading to the development of more effective and targeted bio-based crop protection solutions. These innovations not only help in managing pests and diseases but also enhance crop resilience and productivity. As a result, the market for bio-based crop protection chemicals is experiencing significant growth, with numerous companies investing in research and development to bring new, sustainable products to market. This trend is expected to continue, shaping the future of agriculture towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Opportunity

Increasing Focus on Integrated Pest Management Generating Growth Opportunities for Market Players

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests. It combines the use of all practical methods of pest control, including biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods, to achieve the goals while minimizing economic, health, and environmental risks.

In the integrated pest management approach, farmers use various types of pesticides in a more constructed manner in combination with other biotic pesticides. This approach reduces the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on the soil, plants, and animals. Lower rates of chemicals per hectare are used for targeting pests and diseases, enabling crop protection chemicals to be used as the primary tool. This approach significantly lowers personnel and environmental risks compared to conventional techniques of applying crop protection products.

Thus, the growing adoption of the integrated pest management approach is expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in the crop protection chemicals market in the coming years.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Synthetic Crop Protection Chemicals Segment to Dominate the Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Based on type, the crop protection chemicals market is segmented into synthetic crop protection chemicals and biological crop protection chemicals. In 2024, the synthetic crop protection chemicals segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 91.3% of the crop protection chemicals market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to its increasing use in developing countries, ease of availability, high efficiency, and lower cost than biological products.

However, the biological crop protection chemicals segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of organic farming, growing environmental and public health concerns regarding the use of chemical crop protection products, high demand for chemical residue-free agricultural products, and the initiatives by governments worldwide to promote the use of biological crop protection products.

By Formulation: In 2024, the Liquid Formulation Segment to Dominate the Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Based on formulation, the crop protection chemicals market is segmented into liquid formulation and dry formulation. In 2024, the liquid formulation segment is expected to account for the larger share of over 68.8% of the crop protection chemicals market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the uniform & easy application of liquid form, better performance, and higher effective duration (up to 6 months) than dry form (up to 3 months).

By Mode of Application: The Seed Treatment Segment to Witness Highest Demand During the Forecast Period

Based on mode of application, the crop protection chemicals market is segmented into foliar spray, seed treatment, soil treatment, and other modes of application. In 2024, the foliar spray segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 69.9% of the crop protection chemicals market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to its high efficiency, uniform distribution, and minimum to no wastage of crop protection chemicals.

However, the seed treatment segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is driven by the increased germination and uniform seedling emergence, safety, and pest resistance advantages of the seed treatment technique. In this method, microbial pesticides are often applied with chemical pesticides, as chemical pesticides provide early-season control, and microbial pesticides provide extended control.

By Crop Type: In 2024, the Cereals & Grains Segment to Dominate the Crop Protection Chemicals Market

Based on crop type, the crop protection chemicals market is segmented into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and other crops. In 2024, the cereals & grains segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 37.4% of the crop protection chemicals market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the growing need to increase cereal & grain production, minimize cereal & grain loss due to pests and diseases, and the increasing use of these crops in animal feed, biofuel, and starch & ethanol production.

However, the fruits & vegetables segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This growth is driven by the increasing fruit & vegetable production across the globe, the growing demand for chemical-free organic fruits & vegetables, and the growing number of diseases affecting fruit & vegetable crops.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, Latin America is expected to account for the largest share of 3 over 2.1% of the crop protection chemicals market, followed by Asia-Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa. The crop protection chemicals market in Latin America is estimated to reach $22.33 billion in 2024. Latin America’s significant market share can be attributed to several key factors, including increasing population and food requirements, rapid expansion in the agriculture sector, and the growing need to increase crop yield. Also, rising awareness among farmers about the benefits of using high-end agro products and increasing adoption of organic farming practices further support the growth of this market.

However, the market in Europe is slated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This regional market's growth is driven by the increasing demand for organic products, increasing government support, increased adoption of natural products over synthetic products, and rising health consciousness.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the crop protection chemicals market are BASF SE (Germany), Bayer AG (Germany), Corteva, Inc. (U.S.), FMC Corporation (U.S.), Novozymes A/S (Denmark), Nufarm Limited (Australia), Syngenta AG (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), and Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Co. Ltd (China).

Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In May 2023, BASF (Germany) launched Axalion Active insecticide. This insecticide provides farmers with a much-needed tool to control resistant pests.

• In May 2023, FMC Corporation (U.S.) and Syngenta Crop Protection (Switzerland) signed an agreement to bring to market a breakthrough technology to control weeds in rice in Asia. The new active ingredient, tetflupyrolimet, was discovered and developed by FMC with support from Syngenta for development in rice. It is the first major herbicide with a novel mode of action (DHODH – HRAC Group 28) in more than three decades. It provides relief to farmers challenged by increasing weed resistance to existing herbicides. Under the agreement, FMC and Syngenta will bring tetflupyrolimet-based products to key rice markets in Asia.

• In March 2023, Corteva (U.S.) launched Adavelt, an active fungicide with recent product registrations in Australia, Canada, and South Korea.
• In February 2023, Bayer (Germany) partnered with Kimitec (Spain) for the biological discovery and commercialization of biological crop protection solutions and biostimulants. As part of a global agreement, both companies will become key partners to advance and establish biological solutions derived from natural sources: crop protection products that address pests, diseases, and weeds, as well as biostimulants to promote plant growth.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the crop protection chemicals market report: