As climate variability and soil degradation intensify, South African farmers are increasingly turning to biostimulants to improve crop resilience, yields and quality. Adoption is strongest in high-value crops such as vineyards and orchards, with growing interest among grain producers.

According to Venessa Moodley, biologicals lead at Omnia Agriculture, commonly used biostimulants in South Africa include seaweed extracts, amino acids, and humic and fulvic acids. These products have gained traction in permanent crops where producers are more willing to invest in higher inputs and where application fits easily into existing systems.

Demand is also emerging in dryland grains such as maize, although uptake is slower. Moodley notes that inconsistent efficacy results, high registration costs and long approval timelines continue to constrain wider adoption, particularly for bio-control solutions.

Biostimulants do not replace fertilisers but enhance plant processes by improving nutrient efficiency, root development and stress tolerance. Some products act as osmoprotectants, helping crops cope with drought, while others stimulate antioxidant activity and natural defence mechanisms against pests and disease.

However, challenges remain. Misapplication, poor-quality products and limited farmer awareness can undermine confidence, highlighting the need for better education and clearer regulatory frameworks to ensure proven efficacy.

From a trade perspective, biostimulants could support South Africa’s agri-export competitiveness by reducing reliance on intensive chemical inputs while maintaining quality standards required in global markets—positioning them as a growing tool in the country’s shift toward more sustainable production systems.