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Executive Summary
Biostimulants are emerging as a key component in the European Union's (EU) transition toward a sustainable agricultural model. In response to environmental pressures and stringent policies under the European Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy, biostimulants offer an alternative approach to crop production. They contribute to healthier soils, enhance plant growth and increase the resilience of plants to diseases and pests supporting reduction of chemical pesticides and fertilizers inputs, in compliance with EU targets for reduced agricultural emissions and lower environmental impact (European Commission, 2020a; European Commission, 2020b).
1. Introduction
The European Union’s Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy set ambitious targets to make European farming more sustainable. These policies aim to reduce chemical plant protection products use by 50% and nutrient losses by at least 50%! (European Commission, 2020a). These targets pose significant challenges for European farmers who rely on these inputs to maintain crop yields and quality.
In this context, biostimulants have gained attention as an eco-friendly solution that enhances plant health, boosts resistance to stress, and supports nutrient use efficiency without any known harmful environmental impacts. Unlike traditional fertilizers and pesticides, biostimulants work by enhancing natural processes in plants and soils, making them a valuable tool in achieving the EU’s sustainability goals.
2. Policy Context and Regulatory Landscape
The European Union’s ambitious environmental policies and the aim for reduced chemical use and fertilization is putting pressure on farmer who need these inputs to successfully grow their crops. Key initiatives, such as the European Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy, have established concrete targets and create a favorable landscape for biostimulants to be used as essential tools to support sustainable farming.
European Green Deal
The European Green Deal, introduced in 2019, is a comprehensive strategy aimed at making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. A core objective of the Green Deal is to transform the EU’s food systems into global standards of environmental and social sustainability. One of its main goals is to cut agricultural emissions, which includes reducing inputs of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Specifically, the EU has committed to a 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030 and a 20% decrease in fertilizer use to limit nutrient pollution (European Commission, 2020a). This policy environment has spurred interest in biostimulants among farmers and agribusinesses seeking to align with Green Deal goals.
By enhancing plant resilience and improving nutrient use efficiency, biostimulants aim to support the plants and allow successful crop growth and production while reducing conventional chemical inputs.
Farm-to-Fork Strategy
The Farm-to-Fork strategy, which is central to the Green Deal, aims to create a fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly food system. Key targets include reducing nutrient losses by at least 50% and increasing organic farming practices to cover 25% of agricultural land by 2030 (European Commission, 2020b). Biostimulants can contribute to these objectives by promoting healthier soils and improving crop resilience without the environmental costs associated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
To meet the Farm-to-Fork objectives, the EU is actively funding research and innovation in sustainable farming practices, including biostimulants. Programs like Horizon Europe have allocated millions of euros to support projects that integrate biostimulants into regenerative agriculture, with a focus on reducing inputs while maintaining crop yields (Horizon Europe, 2021).
Regulation of Biostimulants in the EU
Biostimulants were formally recognized as a distinct category under the EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, which came into effect in 2022. This regulation established a clear framework for biostimulants, defining them as products that enhance nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress without directly providing nutrients or acting as plant protection products (European Parliament, 2019). The regulation standardizes the biostimulant market, ensuring product safety, efficacy, and environmental compatibility.
Under this regulatory framework, biostimulants are categorized separately from fertilizers and pesticides, which has facilitated market growth by reducing regulatory barriers. EU-wide labeling requirements have increased transparency, allowing farmers to make more informed choices about biostimulant products that align with sustainability goals.
Policy Impact on Biostimulant Adoption
The EU’s regulatory landscape has accelerated biostimulant adoption by promoting environmentally-friendly practices and reducing barriers to market entry. Policies encouraging reduced chemical use have incentivized farmers to adopt biostimulants, particularly in organic and low-input farming systems. With ongoing support for sustainable agriculture from the EU, biostimulants are expected to play an increasingly central role in European agriculture, potentially setting a precedent for wider global adoption.
3. Definition, Types, and Mechanisms
Biostimulants are a category of agricultural inputs that improve plant health, enhance stress tolerance, and boost crop yields through biological rather than chemical means. Unlike fertilizers, which directly supply nutrients, or pesticides, which control pests, biostimulants work by enhancing a plant’s physiological processes and the soil ecosystem. The European Union defines plant biostimulants as products that stimulate natural processes to benefit nutrient uptake, efficiency, stress tolerance, and quality traits of crops, independently of the crop’s nutrient content (European Parliament, 2019).
Types of Biostimulants
Biostimulants can be categorized into several types based on their source and mechanisms:
Microbial Biostimulants: These include beneficial bacteria, fungi, and algae, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient availability or triggering plant defenses against stress factors.
Humic and Fulvic Acids: Derived from organic matter decomposition, these acids improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient absorption in plants. Studies show that humic substances can stimulate root growth and increase plant tolerance to salinity stress.
Seaweed Extracts: Often derived from kelp species, these extracts contain bioactive compounds that enhance crop resilience to drought and heat stress. Research highlights their efficacy in promoting root and shoot growth in various crops.
Protein Hydrolysates and Amino Acids: These products contain small peptides and amino acids that improve nutrient use efficiency, stimulate root growth, and enhance recovery from environmental stress. Protein hydrolysates, for example, have been shown to enhance nitrogen assimilation in plants.
Mechanisms of Action
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake and Efficiency: Biostimulants can activate root enzymes that facilitate nutrient absorption, particularly under conditions of limited nutrient availability
Stress Tolerance: Many biostimulants contain compounds that stimulate stress-response genes, enabling plants to better withstand abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations
Improved Soil Health: By promoting beneficial microbial activity, biostimulants can enhance soil structure and fertility, supporting sustainable crop production. For instance, microbial biostimulants can boost populations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
4. Conclusion
The role of biostimulants in European agriculture is rapidly evolving, fueled by environmental imperatives and policy incentives. As the European Union pursues its ambitious Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork goals, biostimulants emerge as valuable allies in reducing reliance on chemical inputs, enhancing nutrient efficiency, and bolstering crop resilience to environmental stresses. These benefits align with the EU’s objectives to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use, supporting a transition to more sustainable farming practices that protect both food security and natural ecosystems.
Τhe increasing research and product development efforts points to a promising future in which biostimulants are fine-tuned to deliver consistent, measurable benefits across diverse crops and conditions.
Looking ahead, the biostimulant market in Europe and globally is poised for significant growth, with increasing integration into both conventional and organic farming systems. By advancing biostimulant adoption, Europe can set new standards on farming that may influence the global way of growing food.
As stakeholders in this transformative sector, SyndesisAgro is dedicated to supporting clients in bringing their biostimulant solutions to the European market. We offer comprehensive assistance with the registration process, develop effective go-to-market strategies, and ensure the right positioning within crops. Our strong partnerships with distribution channels facilitate a smoother entry into the market. Join us in this journey towards sustainability and success in European agriculture. Contact SyndesisAgro today to explore how we can work together to unlock the potential of your biostimulant solutions.
References
European Commission. (2020a). Farm to Fork Strategy: For a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/food/farm2fork_en.
European Commission. (2020b). The European Green Deal. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.
European Parliament. (2019). Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019. Official Journal of the European Union.
Horizon Europe. (2021). Funding Program for Research and Innovation. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/horizon.
Canellas, L. P., & Olivares, F. L. (2014). Physiological responses to humic substances as plant growth promoter. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 1(3).
Colla, G., et al. (2017). Protein hydrolysates as biostimulants in horticulture. Scientia Horticulturae, 225, 70–78.
Radzimirska, A. (2021). The Role of Biostimulants in Modern Agriculture. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 44(5).
Rouphael, Y., et al. (2018). The Role of Plant Biostimulants in Stress Tolerance. Trends in Plant Science, 23(3), 91-103.
Shukla, P. S., et al. (2019). Seaweed extract improves drought tolerance in crops. Plant Physiology, 180(1), 205-216.