Kynetec - The green revolution: How French agriculture is embracing biologicals

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By Christophe Jounaux

The French agricultural sector is experiencing a significant shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Between 2017 and 2022, the use of biologicals in plant health increased by 43%, while traditional, non-biological methods decreased by 13%. This change is driven by a growing demand for safer and more environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture, as well as the promotion of these solutions by firms/distributors and the adoption by French farmers. But the detail that lives beneath the trend is important to understand.

Farmer insights

Biostimulants are gaining ground in field crops, with a growth of 44 points in value and 80 points in area. This progress is explained in particular by the increase in new users, applications on new crops such as corn and sunflower, and by incentives from distributors.

France - usage for all measured crops (2017-2022)

	Value	Area
Biopesticides	+54 points	+49 points
Biostimulants	+31 points	+60 points
Foliar fertilizers	+21 points	+29 points

Biologicals by crop

The rise of biologicals is particularly evident in vineyards and fruit tree farms. In vineyards, biopesticides now make up 23% of the crop protection market. Meanwhile, in fruit tree farms, biopesticides account for an impressive 39% of the market. These numbers demonstrate a growing interest in sustainable farming practices in these sectors.

Arable crops, such as wheat, corn, and sunflower, also show promising potential for the adoption of biologicals. Although biopesticides currently represent only 1% of the crop protection market in arable crops, their use has seen robust growth, with a 54-point increase in value and a 94-point increase in area. Biopesticide solutions currently available on the market are quite limited in arable crops, but the growth and development of their uses will be closely linked to the arrival of new products.

This trend indicates that more farmers are turning to eco-friendly solutions for crop protection in arable farming as well.

Arable crops represent the breeding ground of tomorrow. When an arable farmer uses a biostimulant, it is across the entire farm.

The adoption of biologicals in French agriculture is part of a broader global movement towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. As the world faces challenges such as climate change, diminishing natural resources, and growing concerns over food security, the adoption of eco-friendly solutions like biologicals becomes increasingly important.

This shift towards biologicals also has implications for consumers, who are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices. The growing use of biologicals in agriculture can lead to healthier, safer, and more sustainably produced food, appealing to an ever-growing environmentally conscious consumer base.

The growth of biologicals in French agriculture, as illustrated by Kynetec's data, highlights the potential for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in agriculture. As more farmers embrace these eco-friendly solutions, the benefits for the environment, human health, and overall sustainability will continue to grow. The French agricultural sector is setting an example for the world by adopting more sustainable practices that prioritize the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

Author

Christophe Jounaux

Director | Account Management and Business Development

With over 26 years of experience in the agricultural sector, Christophe joined Kynetec after holding various positions in agricultural marketing, including roles at a crop protection company and in French agricultural distribution. Email christophe.jounaux@kynetec.com