Since the advent of synthetic chemistry, agronomists and farmers have been using pesticides with a well-described mode of action. Modes of action are even more important for herbicides, insecticides and fungicides with the increasing resistance issues. As biostimulants are becoming more widely adopted, farmers are demanding more information on their modes of action, as well, which have not always been clearly understood and communicated. So how can companies capitalize on the growing demand for biostimulant mode-of-action transparency?
Farmer Awareness of Biostimulants
Farmer awareness and adoption of biostimulants is increasing, and with that adoption comes higher expectations for information on biostimulants modes of action. Biostimulant development has come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1950s with the term plant biostimulant being in regular use since 1997. More is known about how they work, and if companies can be ready to share that information, it’s likely farmer adoption will continue to increase. But, biostimulant modes of action can be much more complicated than synthetic chemistries and traditional product development trials are not always enough to fully understand how they work.
“While not a clear-cut change, there is an ongoing trend that we anticipate will keep growing: a demand from industry and farmers about a clear understanding of biostimulant products’ mode-of-action,” says Ignacio Colonna, AgriThority Global Director of Science and Technology. “This is moving away from ‘black box’ products that simply help the crop ‘yield more.’ In our view, this trend comes from a better understanding by final users that biostimulant products tend to provide their value under a certain range of conditions rather than a fixed, constant effect across all crops, environments or management practices. Our challenge as researchers is to unveil this set of environmental variables and their relevant range for the targeted crops and geographies.”
Regulatory Requirement Changes for Biostimulants
Not only are farmers demanding transparency for biostimulants, but regulatory agencies around the world are working toward a more globally accepted definition for biostimulants, and modes of action will be a critical piece of that puzzle.
“The demand for biostimulants mode-of-action transparency from farmers is accompanied by recent changes in registration requirements around the world (e.g., EU, Brazil and Argentina),” Colonna says. “These require more specific experimental information to substantiate the specific mode in which a product triggers responses in their target crops, such as testing in controlled environments that can isolate confounding factors and allow a more precise identification of changes in, for example, early-stage root or above ground growth or health.”
These changes in experimental information needed during biostimulant product development means strategies will need to adjust to market demands. The minimum data requirement for registration shouldn’t be the goal but rather robust, credible data that can translate into more in-depth information for farmers and yield insights for Best Management Practices and an optimized positioning strategy.
“Biostimulant registration requirements will continue to get more defined around the world,” says George Fountas, AgriThority® Global Director, Regulatory Affairs. “As this continues, more data and information will be required from companies during the development process to ensure they are efficacious.”
Next Steps for Biostimulant Companies
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If biostimulant companies can go above and beyond with their product development and data as they go through the stage-gate process, they will be better prepared for what’s coming in the agriculture industry. Planning product, business and market development, as well as regulatory planning and strategy, from the beginning of the process will save a lot of time, risk and expense over the long run.
When your new biostimulant technology is ready for development, turn to AgriThority® for strategic and scientific expertise. Our global footprint is combined with our deep understanding of agricultural business, regulatory demands, market channels and producer dynamics. We help move your innovation from concept to commercial adoption. Contact the team today.
