The Illegal Pesticide Trade Has Reached Alarming Levels In Peru
Study performed by researchers from Brazil and Uruguay in the State of Rio Grande do Sul reveals that the hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), which was already resistant to glyphosate in the region, is also resistant to chlorimuron-ethyl. The evaluated plant biotypes demonstrated a tolerance of up to 49 times the recommended dose of glyphosate. For chlorimuron, the resistance factor exceeded 4900 in some cases. More information at doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.
The worsening of the conflict in the Middle East [Israel – Iran war] has increased urea futures prices, causing a direct impact on the market for nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Brazil. The region is an important production and supply hub for these inputs, which raises concerns among investors and buyers, especially at a time when the market has already been showing signs of increased prices for nitrogen fertilizers. (StoneX Consultoria)
Brazil-Germany Agropolitical Dialogue organized the webinar Bioinputs in Agriculture: Trends and Challenges in Latin America and Europe on June 24th. “This webinar brings together experts from Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia to discuss trends and challenges in the adoption of bioinputs. The event seeks to promote the exchange of experiences between the public, private and scientific sectors to strengthen bioeconomy through international collaboration”. Researcher Christiane Abreu Oliveira Paiva, from Embrapa Corn and Sorghum Unit was invited to represent Brazil. Paiva held the lecture “Bioinputs in agriculture – Trends and challenges in Brazil”. (ADP)
According to Cepea researchers, while the USA and Europe face bureaucratic obstacles or fragmented models, Brazil is moving forward with an agile regulatory framework – such as in the case of Law No. 15070/2024, which simplifies the registration of bioinputs. Combining flexibility with safety, the Brazilian model accelerates innovation, reduces costs and strengthens Brazilian agriculture’s sustainability. (Cepea)
With a recognized presence in the production of organic eggs and chicken, Korin has been expanding its agricultural business, focusing on bioinputs, from microrganisms for soil to biofertilizers. Currently, the production capacity of the company’s factory in Ipeúna, State of São Paulo, reaches 2.4 million L of bioinputs/year, but to reach this volume, improvements are still needed regarding bottling, filtration and inventory management. Today, annual production is around 1.3 million L. (Korin)
Soybean production costs in the State of Mato Grosso for the 2025/26 season showed a slight drop in May. According to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics, the cost per hectare was estimated at US$ 752, a 0.19% decrease compared to the previous month. The main explanation for this reduction is the lower spending on fertilizers, soil conditioners and pesticides. (IMEA)
Biotrop ends 2024 with the equivalent of 41 million hectares treated with its biological and natural solutions, consolidating its position as one of the main bioinputs suppliers in the country. “The number proves the evolution of the use of these products and our real impact on Brazilian agriculture”, said Rogério Rangel, the company’s marketing director. (Biotrop)
Brazilian Government will be able to charge the Evaluation and Registration Fee for pesticides, additives and other products related to agrochemicals. This is what the National Congress decided on June 17th, when it overturned the veto (VET 47/2023 – items 10 to 15) to this provision in the Pesticides Law No. 14785/2023. (Agência Senado)
For Roberto Rodrigues, specialist in weed management at Ourofino Agrociência, the soaring price and shortage of products such as clethodim highlight the need to transition to more sustainable practices, such as Integrated Weed Management. “It is no longer viable to depend on a single molecule. Diversifying the mechanisms of action is essential to preserve crop productivity and profitability”. Clethodim, one of the main herbicides used to control grasses in crops such as soybeans, corn and cotton, has seen a 55% increase in the first few months of 2025. (Ourofino Agrociência)
The Brazilian Development Bank has approved financing of US$ 24.21 million for the agricultural cooperative Coopavel Cooperativa Agroindustrial. The operation was structured within the scope of the Harvest Plan [Brazilian Government’s agricultural financing program], with resources from the Warehouse Construction and Expansion Program and Prodecoop. The project, with a total investment of US$ 26.23 million, enables the growth and sustainability of the cooperative’s operations. The operation foresees the expansion and modernization of grain receiving and agricultural input marketing units in the districts in Três Barras and Céu Azul, State of Paraná. (BNDES)
National Congress rejected presidential vetoes to the Self-Control Law (Law No. 14515/2022) and reestablished the exemption from registration for bioinputs produced on farms. The rule applies exclusively to on-farm use and prohibits the commercialization of the products. (National Congress)
Sumitomo, through Agro Amazônia, will invest US$ 25.45 million in a new soybean seed storage and processing plant in Patos de Minas, State of Minas Gerais. The announcement was made this Friday (June 20th), during a visit of the Minas Gerais’ Government to Japan. Operations are expected to begin in full by the end of 2026. (Sumitomo Corporation)
Cases of citrus greening have been confirmed in the cities of Doutor Ulysses and Cerro Azul, in the State of Paraná. In response, the State Agricultural System issued guidelines on mandatory measures to combat the disease. (Seagri)
In Herculândia, State of São Paulo, an operation by the Environmental Military Police and the Agricultural Defense of the State of São Paulo seized 2,330 citrus seedlings stored in an irregular location. At the site of the seizure, 276 coffee seedlings were also found that were to be sold illegally. (Agricultural Defense of São Paulo)
According to agribusiness consultant Carlos Cogo, the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil exports and significant volumes of natural gas and nitrogen fertilizers are transported, has become a strategic point and global logistical bottleneck for the commodity. With economic sanctions in place, Iran could react by blocking sea routes or interrupting the shipment of strategic inputs, further pressuring production costs. “The attack could have a direct impact on the supply of fertilizers. Iran is the third largest exporter of urea in the world, responsible for 10% of global supply, with 4.8 million tonnes per year, and the seventh largest exporter of anhydrous ammonia”, said Cogo. Around 17% of Brazilian urea imports come from the country. (COGO Agribusiness Intelligence)
Congresswoman Carol De Toni filed a Legislative Decree Bill to immediately suspend the effects of Ordinance No. 805/2025, from the Ministry of Agriculture, which establishes the National Program for Traceability of Agrochemicals and Related Products. The parliamentarian points out that the ordinance was issued hastily, without the conclusion of the work of the technical group that discussed the topic within the Ministry. The congressman and President of the Parliamentary Front for Agriculture, Pedro Lupion, also presented a Legislative Decree Bill to the Chamber to suspend the effects of the ordinance. (FPA)
Agents from the Border Operations Department seized more than two thousand liters of pesticides in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, on June 18th. During the operation, the police found the gallons of the product in the dump truck. The material manufactured in the neighboring country is prohibited here in Brazil. The cargo valued at more than US$ 360 thousand was seized and the truck driver was arrested. (DOF)
In a series of actions carried out from February to June of 2025, the Secretariat of Technical Assistance and Agricultural Defense promoted inspection and control regarding the trade and storage of pesticides and related products in the Bom Jesus region, State of Piauí, resulting in the banning of more than 50 tonnes of expired products and the application of notifications to manufacturers and distributors. The action was carried out through the Plant Health Unit of the Agricultural Defense Agency of the State of Piauí. According to the USAV report, seven interdiction notices were issued, totaling 50,500 kg and 5,094 L of pesticides and related products, considered unfit for use, due to their expiration date. In addition, five de-interdiction notices were registered, covering 375 kg and 4,764 L, after the regularization of the pending issues. (SADA)
With the aim of strengthening environmental control and promoting greater transparency in processes related to the registration of pesticides in the State of Ceará, the State Superintendence of the Environment participated, on June 17th, in a remote meeting with representatives of the National Association of Phytosanitary Product Companies. The purpose of the meeting was to guide companies on the procedures and guidelines for the correct registration of products in the Pesticide Registration System – SICRA. SICRA is intended to register pesticides for use and sale in the State of Ceará. Through this system, interested companies submit the required technical documentation for analysis and subsequent approval, in accordance with the legal criteria established by environmental and health legislation. (Semace)
Corn farmers fear market instability due to the Israel – Iran conflict. The Iranians are among the main purchasers of corn from Brazil and are important suppliers of nitrogen fertilizers. “Of course the conflict is a concern, because Israel also supplies inputs, as well as Russia and Ukraine, which are also at war”, said Glauber Silveira, executive director of the Brazilian Association of Corn and Sorghum Farmers. (Abramilho)
Fertilizer company Wirstchat Group to open up a specialty fertilizer factory in Portugal. The company, originally from the State of Paraná, Brazil, and owner of the Harvest Agro brand, has started its international expansion with the construction of its first factory in Europe. The plant is expected to begin production by December of 2026, with a production capacity of 300,000 L/month. Revenue is expected to reach US$ 2.3 million in the first year of operation. (Wirstchat Group)
Latin America
Ceradis Crop Protection has announced Thiago Gianeti as Head of Supply Chain and Product Development for the Americas. (Ceradis Crop Protection B.V.)
Agricultural engineer André Dias has taken on the role of Kynetec’s global commercial director for the agricultural sector. He will combine this new role with the position he previously held at the company, as executive director for Latin America. (Kynetec)
In the 2025/26 season, in Argentina, the exchange prices are positive for farmers in regard to grain sales and the purchase of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. There was a drop of approximately 50% in pesticide prices in one year. In the case of fertilizers, the case is the opposite. “There was a significant increase in the local market, around US$ 20/tonne for phosphorus products and around US$ 80/tonne for urea; it is not yet known whether these increases will be sustained over time, but with these recent changes, we are returning to a situation similar to last year, or prices may even remain slightly higher”, said Jeremías Battistoni, grain analyst at AZ-Group. (AZ-Group)
Syngenta reported that the new herbicide metproxybicyclone has been classified in a new subclass of ACCase inhibitors. According to the company, this is the first innovation in this chemical group in almost two decades. According to Camilla Corsi, global director of R&D, the active ingredient was developed to address the challenges caused by weed resistance to herbicides in soybean and cotton crops in South America. The herbicide is expected to be launched in Argentina in 2026, following regulatory approvals. In Brazil, Ibama issued a Temporary Special Registration for research in May of 2024. (Syngenta)
The illegal pesticide trade has reached alarming levels in Peru, accounting for up to 25% of the market in some regions, according to recent estimates compiled by Cultivida. “Pesticide smuggling and counterfeiting are quietly growing, putting the health of millions of Peruvians at risk,” warned Rubén Carrasco, executive director of the civil association. (Cultivida)
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