Brazil Agri Update: Bioinput Expansion, Fertilizer Market Jitters, and Rising Herbicide Resistance

15 July 2025, São Paulo: Glyphosate-Resistant Weed in Brazil Now Tolerant to Chlorimuron-Ethyl

A new study by researchers from Brazil and Uruguay in Rio Grande do Sul has confirmed alarming resistance trends in hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis). Already known for its resistance to glyphosate, the weed is now also resistant to chlorimuron-ethyl. Biotypes exhibited tolerance up to 49 times the recommended glyphosate dose and over 4,900 times for chlorimuron in some cases. This dual resistance raises serious concerns for weed management in Southern Brazil.

Middle East Conflict Sends Fertilizer Prices Soaring

The ongoing Israel-Iran war is beginning to affect global fertilizer markets. Urea futures prices have surged due to the disruption of supply chains in the Middle East, a key region for nitrogen and phosphate production. Brazil, which imports nearly 17% of its urea from Iran, is particularly vulnerable. Analysts warn of increased production costs as a result. (Source: StoneX Consultoria, COGO Agribusiness Intelligence)

Corn and Soybean Farmers Worry About Rising Input Costs

Corn producers are concerned that geopolitical tensions could destabilize markets. Glauber Silveira of Abramilho noted that Iran, Israel, and other war-impacted countries are major input suppliers and corn buyers. Meanwhile, soybean production costs in Mato Grosso fell slightly in May (to US$ 752/ha), largely due to reduced expenses on fertilizers and pesticides, according to IMEA.

Brazil-Germany Webinar on Bioinputs Highlights Global Collaboration

The Brazil-Germany Agropolitical Dialogue hosted a webinar titled Bioinputs in Agriculture: Trends and Challenges in Latin America and Europe on June 24. Experts from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Germany discussed adoption barriers and regulatory strategies. Embrapa researcher Christiane Abreu Oliveira Paiva presented insights into Brazil’s evolving bioinput sector. (ADP)

Brazil Emerges as Leader in Bioinput Regulation

While the U.S. and EU face fragmented bioinput policies, Brazil is pushing ahead with a streamlined regulatory framework. Law No. 15070/2024 simplifies registration procedures, reducing costs and promoting innovation, as per researchers at Cepea. This is seen as a key step toward sustainable intensification of agriculture.

Bioinput Industry Booming: Biotrop, Korin Expand Capacity

Biotrop closed 2024 with 41 million hectares treated using its biological and natural solutions. Marketing Director Rogério Rangel highlighted the company’s role in expanding sustainable farming practices. Korin, known for its organic poultry, is also expanding its bioinput line, aiming to scale production from 1.3 million liters to 2.4 million liters annually at its São Paulo facility.

National Congress Backs On-Farm Bioinputs

Brazil’s National Congress has overturned presidential vetoes to the Self-Control Law, reinstating the exemption of on-farm produced bioinputs from mandatory registration. However, the exemption applies strictly to products for internal use and not for sale.

Agrochemical Traceability Ordinance Faces Backlash

Congresswoman Carol De Toni and Parliamentary Front President Pedro Lupion filed legislative bills to suspend the controversial Ordinance No. 805/2025, which mandates the traceability of agrochemicals. Critics argue it was enacted prematurely without technical consensus.

Pesticide Oversight Tightens Across States

• In Mato Grosso do Sul, border agents seized over 2,000 liters of contraband pesticides from Paraguay. The illegal cargo, valued at US$ 360,000, was confiscated and the driver arrested.
• In Piauí, 50 tonnes of expired pesticide stock were removed during inspections from February to June.
• Ceará’s environmental agency is pushing for better digital registration practices through the SICRA system.
• São Paulo authorities seized 2,330 illegally stored citrus seedlings and 276 coffee seedlings in Herculândia.

Herbicide Shortage Spurs Call for Integrated Weed Management

Weed expert Roberto Rodrigues from Ourofino Agrociência warns that dependence on single-action herbicides like clethodim is risky, especially as prices jumped 55% in early 2025. He recommends adopting Integrated Weed Management (IWM) to maintain productivity.

Major Investments in Storage and Seed Infrastructure

Sumitomo, through Agro Amazônia, will invest US$ 25.45 million in a soybean seed facility in Minas Gerais, with operations expected to begin in late 2026. Meanwhile, BNDES has approved US$ 24.21 million in financing to Coopavel for modernizing grain and input facilities in Paraná.

Wirstchat Group Enters Europe with Specialty Fertilizer Plant

Brazilian fertilizer maker Wirstchat Group (Harvest Agro) is expanding internationally with a new specialty fertilizer factory in Portugal. The plant, expected to launch in December 2026, will produce 300,000 liters/month and generate US$ 2.3 million in its first year.

Citrus Greening Cases Reported in Paraná

Citrus greening has been detected in Doutor Ulysses and Cerro Azul, prompting swift containment measures from the Paraná state government. The disease poses a serious threat to citrus production and requires strict surveillance.

Source: AgriBrasilis

Also Read: Bayer Launches Felujit: A Next-Generation Fungicide to Combat Sheath Blight in Paddy in India

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