Are biological chemicals a promising possible alternative to some crop chemicals?

[A]s consumers grow increasingly concerned about the environmental and health impacts from the chemicals, there’s a pivot toward what the industry calls “biologicals.” These products can use living organisms, such as bacteria, or non-living, naturally occurring materials such as old corn husks, to help serve the same crop-boosting functions.

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Mick Messman, co-owner and CEO of Illinois-based DPH Biologicals, said he expects the industry to take off in a way similar to seed treatments, which a decade ago weren’t popular, but today are part of most farmers’ practices.

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“The consumer wants cleaner food, and society wants cleaner water and healthier soils,” he said. “We will get to a point where biologicals are commonly used on most every acre in the US.” 

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