Summary:
Driven by policy, technology, and market shifts, China's biological seed coating sector is expanding rapidly. EU regulations and high-performing microbial products are accelerating global adoption. Key players like Jin Feng Gong She and BASF lead innovation, while CRISPR and digital tools reshape future demand. Asia-Pacific remains the main growth engine, while North America pushes drought-resilient and residue-free seed treatment solutions.
I. Industry Trends and Policy Directions
1. China’s Biological Seed Coating Market Expands Rapidly
According to the 2025 Wheat Seed Treatment Industry Development Trend Report (Gelonghui, Aug 2), the global wheat seed treatment market reached RMB 45.651 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to RMB 90.11 billion by 2030. China, as a core growth engine, is witnessing an explosive rise in biological seed coating products.
Policy Catalyst: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ Three-Year Action Plan for Pesticide Reduction and Efficiency Improvement sets a 40% substitution target for high-risk chemical seed treatments by 2027, driving 23% annual growth in biostimulant-based coatings. For example, Huafeng Biochem launched a Trichoderma-based compound at the July 14 China Seed Coating Innovation Forum, showing over 85% efficacy against stem base rot in Henan and Shandong. It was featured on CCTV’s Chinese Brands program.
Technological Breakthroughs: Hainan Nanfan Seed Industry Group and Hainan University co-developed a “smart sowing system” using bio-based binders, achieving 28.6% higher emergence rates and 30% seed savings during field trials on June 30.
2. New EU MRL Regulations Take Effect
EU Regulation (EU) 2025/195 came into effect on August 24, revising MRLs for chemical pesticides like cyprodinil and tebuconazole in apples and honey. This pushes companies to accelerate biological alternatives. BASF’s Q2 report (July 11) attributes growth in its Agricultural Solutions division to a 25% market penetration of its biological fungicide Bomvoro in the EU.
II. Corporate Strategy and Technological Innovation
1. Jin Feng Gong She Pushes Chinese Solutions Abroad
At the July 18 "High-Quality Agricultural Services & Yield Enhancement Forum" in Linyi, Jin Feng Gong She unveiled a yield-boosting protocol centered on its "Two Coat Three Spray" strategy. The seed treatment step integrates Schneider Efficiency 2.0 technology, boosting wheat yields by over 200 jin per mu. The plan has been certified by the FAO and will expand to 5 million mu in Africa in 2025.
2. Commercialization of Microbial Formulations Speeds Up
Moon Biotech’s Muhusheng® liquid active bacterial seed treatment, introduced in February, uses Bacillus velezensis to form a protective biofilm, increasing peanut yields by 40%. It has reached over RMB 200 million in sales in H1 2025 across Hebei and Henan. Separately, Prof. Yan Lifeng’s team at USTC developed a lignin-based green adhesive in March, with bonding strength of 5.71 MPa—well above national standards—supporting seed pelletization for bio-based applications.
III. Regional Markets and Trade Shows
1. Xinjiang Agri-Expo Showcases Smart Agriculture
The 23rd China Xinjiang International Agricultural Expo (Aug 8–9) features 11 thematic halls. Companies like Denghai Seed and Xinjiang Aomian will showcase stress-resistant seed treatments. A field display area will test 2,800 crop varieties using pelletized sowing, with a focus on evaluating bio-based coatings under arid conditions.
2. North American Market Sees Resilient Tech Iteration
The U.S. microbial seed treatment market is expected to reach USD 360 million by 2025. Ceradis' biological formulation now achieves 90% control of soybean Fusarium, with scaled adoption in the Midwest. Meanwhile, Bayer’s Bacillus subtilis product reduces synthetic pesticide use by 30% and improves maize drought resistance by 20% in Minnesota trials.
IV. Risks and Trend Outlook
1. Tech Substitution and Cost Pressures
Gene-edited seeds may disrupt traditional seed treatments; CRISPR-enhanced insect-resistant maize is now commercialized in Argentina, reducing insecticide use by 30%. Biological treatments remain 15–20% costlier than chemical ones, though expansion via agri-e-commerce platforms (31.5% of China's input sales) may help dilute costs.
2. Future Trends
Digital tools proliferation: AI-based seed coating formula systems deployed in smart farms across Shandong and Henan have improved customization efficiency by 50% and kept emergence rate variation within ±2%.
Regional divergence intensifies: Asia-Pacific (China, India) will account for 60% of global growth, while EU/US markets focus on high-end biologicals, projected to exceed 40% share of total seed treatments by 2025.
More information can be found at CCM Seeds and Seed Treatment China Monthly Report.
About CCM:
CCM is the leading market intelligence provider for China’s agriculture, chemicals, food & feed and life science markets. Founded in 2001, CCM offers a range of content solutions, from price and trade analysis to industry newsletters and customized market research reports. CCM is a brand of Kcomber Inc.
For more information about CCM, please visit www.cnchemicals.com or get in touch with us directly by emailing econtact@cnchemicals.com or calling +86-20-37616606.