Biostimulants are gaining attention as promising solutions for more sustainable agriculture. From beneficial microorganisms to plant-based extracts, they can support crop productivity, improve nutrient use efficiency and help plants cope with environmental stress. Despite their potential, many farmers remain hesitant to adopt them.
What is holding back their adoption, and how can these barriers be overcome?
One of the main challenges is the variability of biostimulant performance under real farming conditions. Their effectiveness can depend on soil characteristics, climate, crop type, management practices and application timing. A product that works well in one field may therefore deliver different results in another.
For farmers, this uncertainty, combined with limited access to independent advice and reliable information, can make investing in biological solutions a difficult decision.
Building confidence through field experience and advices
Successful adoption requires more than innovative products. Farmers need practical evidence and guidance to understand when and how to use them.
Local field demonstrations and independent trials can help assess product performance under real agricultural conditions.
Agricultural advisers and farmer organisations also play an important role in translating research into practical recommendations, while exchanges between farmers provide valuable opportunities to share experiences.
Digital Decision Support Systems (DSS) can further support farmers by helping them select biological solutions adapted to their crops, soil conditions and farming practices.
Supporting adoption within TRIBIOME
Within TRIBIOME, developing microbiome-based and circular solutions goes hand in hand with engaging farmers, researchers, agricultural advisers and other stakeholders.
Through field validation, knowledge exchange and digital decision support, the project contributes to addressing some of the practical barriers to adopting biological innovations. Important to keep in mind : there is no one-size-fits-all biostimulant solution. Successful adoption depends on matching products with local conditions, integrating them into existing agricultural practices and providing farmers with reliable information.
Because developing innovative biological solutions is only part of the challenge. Building farmers’ confidence in using them is equally important.
This article is based on the TRIBIOME Practice Abstract “Overcoming barriers to biostimulant adoption in farming systems”, developed by Wagralim and AVA-ASAJA within the Horizon Europe TRIBIOME project.