Grain Protectants Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Grain Protectants Market is projected to expand from USD 680.11 Million in 2025 to USD 950.64 Million by 2031, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.74%. Grain protectants consist of specialized formulations utilized on stored cereals, such as corn, rice, and wheat, to prevent insect infestation and inhibit fungal proliferation during warehousing and transit. Market growth is primarily fueled by the critical need to minimize post-harvest losses to guarantee food security, alongside the logistical requirements of handling rising agricultural yields. As storage periods extend to facilitate trade flows, the dependence on preservation solutions increases. Highlighting the scale of inventory needing robust protection, the International Grains Council raised its forecast for total global grains output for the 2025/26 season to a record 2.43 billion tonnes in November 2025.

However, the market faces a substantial obstacle regarding rigorous regulatory constraints on chemical residues. Governments across the globe are implementing stricter Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and discontinuing specific active ingredients owing to health and environmental concerns. This regulatory tightening complicates the product registration process and restricts the range of available chemical treatments, presenting a significant barrier for manufacturers aiming to grow their operations in highly regulated regions.

Market Drivers

The critical imperative to minimize post-harvest grain losses acts as a primary catalyst for market growth. As agricultural systems aim to nourish an expanding population, preserving harvested crops becomes just as vital as their production. Because fungal pathogens and insect pests present a severe threat to stored commodities, the application of effective organic or chemical protectants is necessary to maintain both volume and quality. This momentum is further intensified by the direct connection between storage efficiency and the alleviation of global hunger. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's 'State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024' report released in July 2024, approximately 733 million individuals faced hunger in 2023, a statistic that underscores the global mandate for the industry to eradicate avoidable food waste through advanced preservation techniques.

Concurrently, the rapid development of modern grain storage infrastructure opens new opportunities for product application. Developing nations are shifting from traditional open-air storage to warehouse and silo systems, which demand systematic pest management protocols to remain effective. This modernization of infrastructure allows for the precise dosing of protectants, ensuring improved efficacy and safety compliance. In February 2024, the Press Information Bureau reported that the Indian government inaugurated a pilot project under the 'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector' to establish 700 lakh metric tonnes of decentralized storage capacity over five years. This massive increase in holding capacity correlates directly with higher demand for preservation inputs, supported by the sheer scale of consumption; the United States Department of Agriculture projected global wheat consumption alone to reach 803.4 million metric tons in 2024, necessitating vast protected inventories.

Market Challenges

The Global Grain Protectants Market faces a significant hurdle stemming from strict regulatory frameworks regarding chemical residues. Governments are increasingly enforcing rigorous Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and phasing out established active ingredients to address health and environmental safety. This regulatory tightening impedes market growth by shrinking the portfolio of available chemical tools, compelling manufacturers to incur high costs for reformulation and new product registration. The consequent fragmentation of global standards creates substantial non-tariff barriers, complicating compliance for exporters who must navigate conflicting regulations across various trading jurisdictions.

These operational constraints directly hinder the cross-border movement of agricultural commodities, reducing the supply chain fluidity on which the protectants market depends. The heightened risk of shipment rejection and the complexity of meeting diverse import standards contribute to a slowdown in international grain flows. In June 2025, the International Grains Council projected the forecast for global grains trade for the 2024/25 marketing year at 423 million tonnes, indicating a contraction in traded volumes amidst this complex operating environment. This decline in trade activity limits the addressable market for preservation solutions during transport, thereby stifling the industry's expansion.

Market Trends

The shift toward botanical and bio-based grain protectants is significantly reshaping the market as stakeholders prioritize residue-free preservation methods to meet changing consumer preferences and regulatory standards. This transition is driven by the urgent necessity to combat pest resistance against conventional synthetic chemistries while simultaneously adhering to stringent Maximum Residue Limits. Manufacturers are aggressively expanding their portfolios with biological formulations that offer pest control profiles comparable to traditional inputs but with a favorable environmental footprint. According to the 'Fourth Quarter 2024 Results' report by Corteva in February 2025, the company's Crop Protection segment achieved a 16% increase in volume, a growth trajectory primarily fueled by the rising demand for new technology products, including biologicals and spinosyns, especially in Latin American markets.

The incorporation of IoT and smart sensor technologies for real-time monitoring represents a vital evolution in grain storage management, moving the industry from reactive to proactive preservation strategies. Storage facility operators are increasingly adopting digital ecosystems that continuously track internal parameters such as moisture content, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels to predict potential infestation or spoilage events. This digitization enables precise, data-driven interventions that optimize aeration and fumigation schedules, thereby reducing chemical usage and operational costs. As noted in the Bühler Group's 'Annual Report 2024' from February 2025, the company's Customer Service business, which includes its remote monitoring solutions and digital services portfolio, recorded a turnover growth of 9.4% to reach CHF 1.06 billion, reflecting the sector's accelerating investment in connected asset management.

Key Players Profiled in the Grain Protectants Market

• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• Syngenta Crop Protection AG
• Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
• FMC Corporation
• UPL Ltd.
• Central Garden & Pet Company

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Grain Protectants Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Grain Protectants Market, by Control Method:

• Chemical
• Physical
• Biological

Grain Protectants Market, by Target Pest:

• Insects
• Rodents
• Others

Grain Protectants Market, by Grain Type:

• Corn
• Wheat
• Rice
• Others

Grain Protectants Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Grain Protectants Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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