South America: AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Leguminous Crops: Towards a Global Production of 70 Mt by 2034

According to the OECD, leguminous crop production is expected to grow by 26 Mt by 2034, with Canada as the leading exporter. Despite the anticipated increase, few countries will achieve self-sufficiency, particularly India, which remains the largest producer but cannot meet its population's needs. Innovative agricultural techniques and yield improvements are essential to meet the rising demand.

Discovery of a Molecular Pathway for Citrus Resistance to Citrus Greening

A recent study sheds light on the molecular mechanism between citrus and Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University have identified SDE10 as a key pathogenic effector, inhibiting the CsXCP2 protein, which plays a central role in citrus defense. By designing CsXCP2 variants capable of evading SDE10, this research paves the way for the creation of resistant citrus varieties, crucial for combating this global threat to citrus production.

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GreenLight Biosciences strategically launches Oifirax, an innovative RNA-based fungicide, in Brazil. This development marks a turning point in the crop protection industry, emphasizing targeted, residue-free biological solutions that can compete with the efficacy of traditional chemicals. With favorable regulatory support and significant investment, GreenLight aims to transform the Brazilian viticulture landscape while expanding its commercial footprint in the region.

Brazil: Corteva Launches Selective Nematicide Designed to Preserve Soil Biodiversity

Corteva Agriscience has introduced Reklemel™, an innovative nematicide designed to help Brazilian farmers manage phytopathogenic nematodes, which cause 35 billion reais in economic losses annually, while preserving beneficial soil organisms. Unveiled at the Bahia Farm Show 2026, this product stands out for its selective mode of action and localized application.

A Brazilian Company Unveils a New Generation of Organic Products Based on Microbial Metabolites

At the Bahia Farm Show 2026, Brazilian company Inquima launched EasyTank, an adjuvant designed to optimize the compatibility of pesticide and fertilizer mixtures. This product aims to address common incompatibility issues, such as phase separation and foam formation, while preserving the integrity of active ingredients. Additionally, it showcased advancements in its biological solutions, including third-generation technologies that leverage microbial metabolites, offering improved stability and application flexibility.

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.

Input Distribution: In Brazil, Profitability Replaces Volume Pursuit

By 2026, agricultural input distribution in Brazil will face a challenging reality where growth through volume is no longer sufficient. Distributors must overcome challenges such as the complexity of product portfolios, increasing demands from growers, rising demand for organic products, and a shortage of skilled labor. To thrive, they must adopt rigorous management practices and train their teams in quality customer service.

SLC, Bom Futuro, Scheffer: Brazilian Industrial Agriculture Shifts to Biosolutions

At BioSummit 2026, SLC Agrícola, Bom Futuro, and Scheffer announced the application of biological inputs on 100% of their cultivated areas. These solutions play a significant role in pest management, particularly in soy and corn, though challenges remain for their adoption in cotton. Technological advancements and the push for sustainable farming practices are driving this trend.

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.