Biologicals: snake oil or science, and how do we know?

Farmers are under pressure to shift toward lower chemical intensity production. Biologicals are touted as one possible solution, promising natural, chemical-free alternatives to inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. But biologicals also have a reputation for being ‘snake oil,’ with companies making claims that seem too good to be true, or that don’t stack up outside the lab.So what’s the science behind biologicals, and how do we know they work? And when they do work, how do we get them in the hands of more farmers?This episode features Jarrett Chambers, founder and President of ATP Nutrition, a Canadian plant nutrition company, and Shane Thomas, agronomist and author of Upstream Ag Insights, to discuss:What biologicals are, and how to think about the different categoriesWhat’s driving interest in biologicals from farmers, agribusinesses, and investors.What characteristics, business models, and incentives can help ensure biologicals fit into established farming systems.How digital tools can be used to bring credibility to the biologicals marketFor more resources from the episode, visit our website.

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