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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Brazil's cultivar protection law, deemed outdated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), needs revision to address the rising issue of soybean seed theft.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.

Brazil: National Development Bank Accelerates Bio-input Deployment through Family Farming Financing Program

Europe: Towards an Evolution of the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Drones in Crop Protection

As the demand for sustainable agriculture rises, drones are emerging as essential tools for European farmers. However, current regulations hinder their adoption. An initiative from 15 member states calls for a modernization of guidelines to integrate these innovative technologies.

Europe Grants First Emergency Approval for RNA Insecticide Against Potato Beetle in Belgium

This marks a first in Europe. Belgian authorities have granted an emergency use authorization for Calantha®, an innovative RNA-based insecticide aimed at combating the potato beetle during the 2026 growing season. Calantha® has been developed to meet environmental standards, with no detectable residues on crops. It is designed to be safe for bees and other non-target organisms, addressing growing environmental expectations.

Fungicides in Orchards: Summit Agro Expands Prolivo Use Against Powdery Mildew on Apple and Cherry

Summit Agro USA has announced the expansion of the Prolivo 300SC fungicide label to include control of powdery mildew on apples and cherries (except in California and New York), enhancing its use in high-value specialty crops. Prolivo is notable for its ability to inhibit lesion formation and sporulation, while providing extended protection through its redistribution and vapor activity, thus safeguarding a larger portion of foliage and fruit during critical disease management periods.

Brussels Revises Pesticide Residue Thresholds: Trade, Competitiveness, and Agricultural Innovation Challenges

Ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding maximum residue levels (MRLs), market access standards ensuring consumer exposure to pesticide residues remains within safe limits, could have significant implications for food safety, supply chains, and innovation. CropLife Europe calls for a rigorous impact assessment to ensure any legislative changes are evidence-based and consider overall economic and trade effects.

Blight-resistant potatoes: Switzerland tests new selection techniques without foreign DNA

Agroscope (Swiss competence center in agronomic and agri-food research) is conducting a trial on cisgenic blight-resistant potatoes, authorized by the Federal Office for the Environment. This project aims to develop varieties without foreign DNA, thereby reducing the need for plant protection products and improving resistance to extreme climatic conditions.

Nano-Fertilizers: Meghmani Crop Nutrition Secures Approval for Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc in India

Meghmani Organics Limited announced that its subsidiary Meghmani Crop Nutrition Ltd has received approval from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture to produce nano fertilizers, including Nano DAP, Nano NPK, and Nano Zinc. This initiative aims to meet the growing needs of Indian farmers for crop nutrition. Nano fertilizers are designed to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce waste. Production will commence at the Sanand plant in Gujarat.

New Genomic Techniques: European Agri-Food Industry Calls for Regulatory Framework Validation

As the plenary vote approaches, a broad coalition of stakeholders in the European agri-food value chain urges Members of the European Parliament to support the adoption of regulations on plants derived from new genomic techniques (NGT). They emphasize the need for a clear legal framework to enhance the sector's competitiveness and sustainability, while highlighting the importance of distinguishing between conventional-type NGT plants and those subject to GMO legislation.

Biotalys Secures EPA Approval for EVOCA, Refocusing on Biofungicides

Biotalys reaches a key milestone with the EPA's approval of its biofungicide EVOCA, validating its AGROBODY™ technology platform. Concurrently, the Belgian company forms a strategic partnership with AgroFresh to strengthen its post-harvest positions and refocuses its efforts on advanced biofungicide programs. Despite losses in 2025, the company aims for an EVOCA NG launch in the U.S. by 2029, in a market estimated at over one billion dollars.

India: Agrochemical Industry Warns of Data Protection Risks

The Indian Crop Protection Federation (CCFI) warns of the consequences of introducing data protection in the Indian agrochemical sector. CCFI President Deepak Shah emphasizes that data exclusivity could create monopolies, delay the arrival of generic products, and increase costs for farmers, while undermining India's competitiveness in the global market.