Beneficial Insects Market

Market Definition

Beneficial insects contribute to ecological balance and agricultural productivity by facilitating pollination, natural pest control, and soil enhancement. These insects, including bees, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and lacewings, help maintain biodiversity by preying on harmful pests, facilitating plant reproduction, and improving crop yield. Their presence reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable farming and environmental health.

Beneficial Insects Market Overview

The global beneficial insects market size was valued at USD 801.3 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 905.5 million in 2024 to USD 2,406.4 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.98% over the forecast period.

The market is expanding due to the increasing adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and stringent standards to regulate chemical pesticides. Farmers are shifting toward biological pest control solutions to enhance crop yield and minimize environmental impact.

Additionally, advancements in insect rearing technologies and integrated pest management (IPM) programs are improving the efficiency and affordability of beneficial insects, further driving market growth.

Major companies operating in the global beneficial insects Industry are Biobest Group NV, Koppert, Syngenta, Bayer AG, Certis USA LLC, Andermatt Biocontrol AG, Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., Russell IPM Ltd, Bioline AgroSciences Ltd, Novozymes A/S, GrowLiv Biologicals, Fargro Limited, Corteva, ARBICO Organics, and others.

The rapid expansion of organic farming is fueling the demand for biological pest control solutions, driving the growth of the beneficial insects market. Increasing preference for organic produce by consumers is prompting farmers to implement eco-friendly pest management practices.

Certification bodies and regulatory authorities are now mandating organic practices over synthetic pesticides, making beneficial insects an essential component of organic crop protection.

Market participants are responding to this demand by developing insect species tailored for organic farming. The global shift toward chemical-free agriculture is positioning beneficial insects as a preferred solution for organic and high-quality crops.

• As part of the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork strategy, the European Commission aims to have at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land dedicated to organic farming by 2030. Over the past decade, the area under organic farming has grown by nearly 66%, now representing 8.5% of the EU’s total utilized agricultural land.

Key Highlights:

1. The global beneficial insects market size was recorded at USD 801.3 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.98% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a market share of 37.25% in 2023, with a valuation of USD 298.5 million.
4. The predators segment garnered USD 337.5 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The grains & pulses segment is expected to reach USD 1,157.9 million by 2031.
6. The agricultural segment held 60.12% of the market in 2023
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.25% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

"Expansion of Greenhouses and Indoor Farming"

The increasing adoption of greenhouses and indoor farming is creating the demand for biological pest control solutions, supporting the growth of the beneficial insects market.

Beneficial insects are being integrated into greenhouse farming systems as part of controlled-environment agriculture to protect high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Controlled-environment agriculture (CAE) relies on sustainable pest management methods involving limited use of chemical pesticides in enclosed spaces.

Agritech companies are developing customized biological control programs tailored for greenhouse conditions, improving the effectiveness of beneficial insects. Furthermore, the rise of precision agriculture is optimizing pest management strategies in protected cultivation settings.

• In August 2024, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a USD 10.7 million investment in 16 projects under the Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems Program. As a priority within the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, this program seeks to enhance understanding of invasive and established plant pests, along with beneficial species, to develop innovative, biologically based pest management strategies. The initiative targets various agricultural production systems, including food and fiber crops, turf and ornamental plants, managed grasslands, rangelands, and planted forests..

Market Challenge

"High Production and Maintenance Costs"

High cost associated with breeding, maintaining, and distributing beneficial insects pose a significant challenge. Rearing beneficial insects require controlled environments, specialized diets, and continuous monitoring, leading to increased operational expenses. Additionally, short shelf life and transportation complexities further add to the costs.

To address this, companies are investing in advanced biotechnologies to enhance mass-rearing, extending the viability of beneficial insects through improved storage solutions.

Strategic collaborations with research institutions are also fostering innovations in cost-effective breeding techniques. Moreover, companies are optimizing supply chain logistics and developing localized production facilities to reduce transportation costs and ensure product availability.

Market Trend

"Adoption of Data-Driven Pest Control Solutions"

The integration of data analytics and digital agriculture technologies is transforming the application of beneficial insects in modern farming. Precision agriculture tools, including remote sensing, AI-driven pest monitoring, and automated insect release systems, are optimizing biological control strategies. Farmers and agribusinesses are leveraging real-time data to improve insect deployment efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize pest suppression rates.

Digital platforms are enabling predictive modeling of pest outbreaks, enhancing proactive pest management approaches. Combining beneficial insects with smart farming technologies is improving their overall effectiveness and increasing adoption in commercial and high-tech farming.

• In October 2024, Antler invested in Omma, a company that has developed an AI-powered modular system designed to automate the on-farm rearing of beneficial insects. This machine-learning technology enables growers to maintain a consistent supply of generalist insects on-site, supporting continuous and proactive pest management through automated pest detection. Omma provides a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly agricultural solutions.

Beneficial Insects Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation:

• By Type (Predators, Parasitoids, Pollinators, Pathogens, and Decomposers): The predators segment earned USD 337.5 million in 2023 due to its effectiveness in controlling a wide range of pests across various crops, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while improving agricultural sustainability and yield.
• By Crop Type (Fruits & Vegetables, Flowers & Ornamentals, and Grains & Pulses): The grains & pulses segment held 52.01% of the market in 2023, due to the rising adoption of biological pest control solutions to protect high-value staple crops from insect infestations.
• By Application (Agricultural, Horticultural, and Others): The agricultural segment is projected to reach USD 1,511.3 million by 2031, owing to the rising adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices and increasing restrictions on chemical pesticides.

Beneficial Insects Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

The North America beneficial insects market share stood at around 37.25% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 298.5 million. The rising demand for organic food and sustainable agriculture is accelerating the adoption of beneficial insects in North America.

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing pesticide-free produce, prompting large-scale farms and agribusinesses to integrate biological pest control into their operations. Leading retailers and food producers are establishing stricter sustainability standards, encouraging growers to transition toward eco-friendly farming methods.

Government incentives and certification programs, such as the USDA Organic Seal, are further supporting this shift, strengthening market growth. The expansion of organic farming acreage across the U.S. and Canada is driving higher demand for biological control agents.

• In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced new measures to enhance the market for domestically grown organic products and support producers pursuing organic certification. These funding initiatives fall under the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative, launched in 2022, which provides a range of resources to assist both existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing.

Regulatory frameworks in North America are driving the shift toward sustainable pest control, accelerating the growth of the market. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) have imposed strict regulations on synthetic pesticides due to their environmental and health risks.

Compliance with eco-friendly agricultural practices is further incentivizing large-scale adoption of beneficial insects across organic farms, greenhouses, and conventional agriculture settings.

Asia Pacific beneficial insects market is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 16.25% over the forecast period. Governments are strengthening their focus on sustainable agriculture, boosting demand for beneficial insects. Subsidies, tax incentives, and financial support for organic farming and biological pest control solutions are increasing adoption rates across the region.

In China, policies under the Green Agriculture Development Plan are driving the replacement of chemical pesticides with eco-friendly alternatives, while India's National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is promoting biological control agents to improve soil and crop health. These initiatives are accelerating the transition toward biological pest management, ensuring sustained growth of the market.

Furthermore, countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are increasingly investing in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) to enhance food production efficiency and mitigate climate-related agricultural risks.

Greenhouse operators are integrating beneficial insects as a primary pest management approach due to their effectiveness in enclosed environments. With the rise of high-tech farming and vertical farming initiatives, the adoption of beneficial insects is becoming a key strategy for maintaining a pest-free yield.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the regulation of biopesticides, including beneficial insects, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA evaluates the safety and efficacy of these organisms before granting registration for their use in pest control. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a role in regulating the import as well as interstate movement of beneficial insects to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
• The European Union (EU) regulates beneficial insects under the Plant Protection Products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009). This regulation requires that active substances, including microorganisms and beneficial insects, be approved before they can be used in plant protection products. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts risk assessments to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these substances.
• In Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) regulates the use of beneficial insects. Japan has a long history of utilizing biological control agents in agriculture. The country has established guidelines to ensure the safe introduction and use of non-native beneficial insects, emphasizing the importance of assessing their potential ecological impacts before release.
• India's Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, is responsible for the regulation of biopesticides, including beneficial insects. India promotes the use of biological control agents as part of its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. The country has developed guidelines for the registration and use of beneficial insects to ensure their safe application in agriculture.

Competitive Landscape:

The global beneficial insects market is characterized by a large number of participants, including both established corporations and rising organizations. Market leaders are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions as a strategic approach to enhance their product offerings with advanced technologies and value-added services.

By integrating innovative solutions through acquisitions, companies can strengthen their market presence, accelerate research and development efforts, and cater to evolving customer demands more effectively. These strategies also enable firms to expand their geographical footprint, gain access to new customer segments, and leverage synergies that drive operational efficiency.

As a result, mergers and acquisitions play a crucial role in fostering competition, advancing technological capabilities, and ultimately contributing to the overall growth of the market.

• In January 2025, Andermatt Nederland BV announced the acquisition of Entocare C.V.’s beneficial insect business for biological pest control. This decision reinforces Andermatt’s position as a key provider of biological crop protection solutions while enhancing its product portfolio with advanced technologies and services.

List of Key Companies in Beneficial Insects Market :

• Biobest Group NV
• Koppert
• Syngenta
• Bayer AG
• Certis USA LLC
• Andermatt Biocontrol AG
• Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited
• Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc.
• Russell IPM Ltd
• Bioline AgroSciences Ltd
• Novozymes A/S
• GrowLiv Biologicals
• Fargro Limited
• Corteva
• ARBICO Organics

Recent Developments (M&A/Partnerships/New Product Launch)

• In October 2024, Biobest launched Entomatic, a beneficials dispenser designed to generate airflow for the gentle and uniform distribution of beneficial insects and mites across greenhouses. The automated system is gaining traction as a practical investment, offering time savings, cost reduction, and precise, consistent delivery of beneficial organisms.
• In September 2024, Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi partnered to develop and commercialize innovative pheromone-based biological solutions for safer and more effective pest control in corn and rice. This collaboration combines Provivi’s expertise in pheromone-based crop protection with Syngenta’s global reach and development capabilities. The newly developed solutions aim to help farmers combat major pests, including Yellow Stem Borer (YSB) in India and Indonesia, as well as Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Thailand.
• In March 2024, Certis Biologicals acquired key assets from AgBiome, including the highly effective and market-proven fungicides, Howler and Theia. These additions will strengthen Certis Biologicals' portfolio, which already comprises over 40 products designed to combat pests, diseases, and weeds affecting greenhouse, specialty, and large-acreage crops.