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Brazil: Transition to Bio-inputs Hindered by Institutional and Economic Barriers

Brazil: A $1.8 Billion Plan to Relocate Fertilizer Production and Reduce Import Dependence

Brazil has approved a $1.8 billion incentive plan to bolster its domestic fertilizer production, aiming to reduce its heavy reliance on imports, which account for 85 to 90% of total demand. The plan includes federal tax credits of 20% for companies investing in fertilizer production and mandates the application of environmental criteria.

Seeds: Canada's Reform of Breeder Rights Revives Debate on Living Control

Lithuania: Brussels Approves Massive Support for Sustainable Agricultural Investments

The European Commission has approved a €100 million state aid scheme for Lithuania, aimed at supporting investments in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products. This program, which will run until the end of 2028, focuses on loans intended to address a funding gap for farmers. Eligible investments must contribute to objectives such as reducing resource use and improving soil quality.

Fertilizers: Brussels Prepares Emergency Support Amid Price Surge and Geopolitical Tensions

In response to soaring fertilizer prices, the European Union announces emergency measures to support farmers while maintaining its carbon tax to ensure fair competition for European producers. The situation, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, raises concerns about fertilizer availability and the environmental impact of new regulations. The price of nitrogen fertilizers has risen by 32% since last winter, reaching 500 euros per ton.

Seeds, Intellectual Property and Innovation: Brazil Faces a Soybean Trust Crisis

Brazil's cultivar protection law, deemed outdated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), needs revision to address the rising issue of soybean seed theft. At the ENSSOJA 2026 conference, experts highlighted the economic impact of illegal seed use and the necessity for better intellectual property protection to support agricultural innovation. Currently, 28% of soybean lands in Brazil use uncertified seeds, threatening the agricultural innovation ecosystem.

Biotechnologies: Brazil Approves New Transgenic Sugarcane with Dual Resistance

The CTNBio (National Technical Commission on Biosafety of Brazil) has approved a transgenic sugarcane developed by CTC (a Brazilian research company specializing in sugarcane), which incorporates resistance to borers and herbicides like glyphosate. This technological advancement, set for commercialization across 14 varieties by 2026/27, aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in the Brazilian sugar sector while reducing economic losses from infestations and weed management costs, estimated at 14 billion BRL annually.

GMOs/NTGs: EPP MEPs Warn of Seed Patent Concentration Risks

As the vote on the deregulation of GMOs/NTGs (new genomic techniques) approaches, German MEPs from the EPP (European People's Party) are urging the European Commission to reconsider Directive 98/44. They emphasize the importance of ensuring free access to genetic resources to prevent control by major seed companies, a stance that could influence the EPP's vote on the future NTG regulation.

Seeds: Canada Reforms Breeder Rights to Boost Innovation

The update of the Plant Breeders' Rights Regulations by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) aims to enhance innovation and competitiveness in Canada's agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental sectors. Changes include limiting farmers' rights to save seeds for certain crops, ensuring fair compensation for breeders, and extending breeder rights duration for certain plants to 25 years.

Biomethane: In France, the State Prepares to Shift Public Support to Production Certificates

Starting in 2026, biogas production certificates (BPC) will become the main support mechanism for the sector, replacing the purchase obligation. This change aims to meet biomethane production targets, which have already exceeded forecasts, reaching 9.1 TWh in 2023. However, the high production costs lead to a significant financial commitment from the State of 17 billion euros for 2019-2028, with the additional costs being passed on to consumers.