Encompassing Commercialisation in Biological Agriculture

Innovation is at the centre of any biotech industry, but alongside the science of innovation in biological agriculture (Biocontrol, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers), we must embrace the art of commercialisation – that is, developing products in a way that makes them ready for commercial sales and marketing.

So, how are we embracing commercialisation in biological agriculture? And more importantly, what issues do we have to overcome?

Current issues to address

Unfortunately, in the biological agricultural sector, it is not uncommon to hear product developers say, “Oh, yes, we know of a solution for this...” or “This bacterium works against that...” but followed by “Oh no, it’s too difficult to get it to market, so we’re not going to develop it.” 

At present, there are various hurdles to the development, adoption and use of biological agriculture products. These include significant regulatory hurdles, high development and production costs, and a small end market due to lack of awareness, application challenges, and limited understanding of the benefits of using these products in the crop production system.

Solutions to commercialisation in biological agriculture

Collaboration with expert bioag developers such as Bionema Group Limited can help innovators to formulate and develop new products in a way that makes them better suited to the market, easier to apply, and less expensive to produce.

For example, Bionema Group Limited has developed and tested a range of biocompatible additives that can be used within formulations to increase the efficacy of current and future formulations of bioag products. In addition, Bionema Group Limited ’s own microencapsulation formulation technology IncapsuleX™ increases the efficacy of a base bioag product by delivering it in a microcapsule to the insect cuticle – this enhances adhesion and increases persistence on plant surfaces for improved pest and disease control.

Bionema Group Limited ’s other proprietary technologies include MetarForce™, a cost-effective and scalable approach to the manufacture of fungal spores that can be applied in situations where cost, water and cold storage are factors for consideration. Similarly, Bionema Group Limited ’s scientists are developing the cost- and water-efficient nematode manufacturing technology called NemaCad®.

In addition, it is necessary for the industry as a whole to create awareness about the benefits offered by biocontrol products, so growers and farmers are aware of these options, their benefits, and how to use them for optimal outcomes.

Changes within the biological agriculture community

A number of trade groups and organisations are already working to achieve this, and we would encourage companies of all sizes to support those organisations and their campaigns.

In particular, new organisations such as the World BioProtection Forum (WBF) have revealed fresh approaches to long-established challenges, such as Biopesticides Regulatory Reform.

For the first time, it seems that competent authority is on the cusp of making real changes that will benefit the bioag sector, thanks to a campaign run by the WBF since 2021. WBF conference Bringing Biopesticide Regulatory Reform to UK Parliament, taking place in London on 5th September 2023, is the culmination of the WBF’s campaign for global regulatory reform. Once sensible reforms have been achieved in a competent authority, this case can be used to encourage further reforms in other regions (e.g. the EU).

As a result of the WBF’s campaign, the UK Government has already declared (see here), “We plan to review regulatory processes and data requirements to identify where approvals and permissions for biopesticides can be made simpler and speedier.” The conference on 5th September provides experts from industry with the opportunity to meet with key ministers, policy makers and department representatives to ensure that these ongoing reviews and reforms align with industry requirements.

This is a significant moment in our industry’s history, as a competent authority finally listens to the needs of the bioag sector. The WBF is doing everything it can to explain the rationale and urgent requirement for regulatory reform, to those people who can finally make these things happen.

The development of a regulatory process that nurtures and encourages innovation in bioag will allow for faster and less expensive new product approvals, enabling more products to reach commercialisation.

Growing awareness of innovation

The results of successful commercialisation will be a growing awareness of bioag products, an improved regulatory system for new product approvals, and improved formulations for production, storage, application and use.

In turn, these successes will drive further funding for more innovative research to come up with even more new technologies that continually improve bioag products. In other words, this is just the start of a great new AgriTech revolution – the best is yet to come!

In conclusion

At Bionema, we’re constantly striving to improve bioag products, so you can rest assured that when you choose Bionema as your partner, you’ll have access to some of the most innovative solutions – and some of the best solutions for commercialisation – on the market today.