Crop Protection and Nutrition – Weekly Update Brazil & Latin America (10/02/25 – 10/08/25)

Published on: October 7, 2025

662% Increase in the Number of Companies Holding Biopesticide Registrations in Brazil


In compliance with court decisions, Anvisa approves toxicological evaluations of trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole (CAC); 2,4-D 806 g/L SL (Syncrom); and technical ethiprole (Biorisk). (Official Gazette of Brazil, Res. No. 3909–3912 from October 3rd, 2025, Anvisa)

Fertilizer deliveries in Brazil reached 20.14 million tonnes in the 1H25, up 10.5% compared to the previous year, with Mato Grosso leading distribution. In August, imports hit a record of 5.2 million tonnes, totaling 29.45 million between January and August (+8.6%). The Port of Paranaguá was the main entry point. (ANDA; Conab)

The Brazilian Association of Agricultural Adjuvant Manufacturers, which brings together 15 companies, announced a certification seal to guide farmers and identify reputable suppliers. The initiative responds to the “regulatory gap” created since 2017, when the Ministry of Agriculture established that adjuvants no longer required registration and a prescription. According to the Association, this allowed low-performance products to proliferate. (Aplica; Sell Agro)

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Franca, State of São Paulo, identified that the Brazilian Organized Crime Organization PCC is involved in the illegal pesticide supply chain, with at least nine specialized centers (counterfeiting, labeling, invoices, logistics) and operations spanning borders and ports. It is estimated that the illegal market accounts for 20%25% of sales, with losses approaching US$ 3.76 billion/year. (CropLife Brasil; Public Prosecutor’s Office of Franca)

Anvisa approved a New Formulated Product – active ingredient not yet registered in Brazil – based on Eucalyptus globulus oil and geraniol. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Resolution No. 3901 from October 3rd, 2025, Anvisa)

Itafos will invest over US$ 380 million in the State of Pará by 2027 and has already doubled its revenue in Brazil in the 1H25 (US$ 18.81 million). The operation in Arraias, State of Tocantins, reached an Ebitda of US$ 5.4 million, strong demand for sulfuric acid and plans to expand capacity and restart the super simple phosphate plant, focusing on the Arco Norte region, while awaiting progress on government incentives. (Itafos)

Pollinators can increase soybean yields by up to 13%, according to a project by BASF in partnership with Embrapa and Senar. The initiative validated a Good Agricultural and Apicultural Practices protocol and published a booklet for integrating soybean farming and beekeeping, with guidance on IPM and responsible pesticide application, reinforcing plant health gains and the use of bioinputs. (BASF Agricultural Solutions)

Civil Police arrested seven men in the city of Imbituva, State of Paraná, because of fertilizer counterfeiting, which involved mixing roughly 50% calcium into the cargo. The truck was bound for the State of Goiás and the driver said he would be paid US$ 3.76 thousand. The truck, cargo, two forklifts, inputs and phones were seized. (Civil Police – State of Paraná)

According to a survey by Williams Brasil, 10.06 million tonnes of fertilizers were scheduled for import from September 1st to 29th. The Port of Santos is expected to receive the largest volume (2.64 million tonnes), followed by the Port of Paranaguá (2.58 million). The report includes vessels already docked, those at anchorage waiting for docking and those expected to arrive by November 30th. (Williams Brasil)

The Environmental Military Police of Costa Rica, State of Mato Grosso do Sul fined a farmer US$ 6.56 thousand for irregular storage of pesticides. Inspectors found full and empty packages improperly stored, without triple washing and posing environmental risks. The owner was ordered to adjust the storage system and cease the illegal burning of residues. (PMA)

The Environmental Secretariat of Canaã dos Carajás, State of Pará, held the first session of the “Sustainable Dialogues” series, focusing on the use of herbicides sprayed by drones. The event brought together farmers, service providers and authorities, emphasizing the need of training, regulatory compliance and shared responsibility to prevent drift and environmental damages. (SEMMA Canaã)

State of Rio Grande do Sul expanded the soybean Asian rust monitoring network, now with 95 spore collectors across 95 towns for the 2025/26 season. The “Rust Monitoring Program” helps to guide fungicide spraying, avoiding unnecessary spraying and improving management efficiency. (Seapi; Emater/RS)

According to Sebastián Giraldo Montoya, a professor at the Federal University of Viçosa – UFV, the Brazil-China academic partnership is consolidating in soil management and conservation, efficient irrigation and climate adaptation, with a direct impact on plant health and bioinputs. The combination of Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture with China’s knowledge of AI, big data and mechanization favors more precise monitoring of pests and diseases and the rational use of inputs. “The cooperation between Brazil and China in the academic sphere involves, among other institutions, the Center for American Studies at Nanjing Agricultural University and the departments of Agronomy, Soils and Agricultural Engineering at UFV”, said Montoya. (UFV)

Corteva appointed Brazilian executive Lucas Silvestre de Melo as global leader of Marketing Excellence for its seed business. Based in Iowa, USA, he will oversee global strategies on pricing, branding and marketing integration, after holding leadership roles in Brazil and Latin America. (Corteva Agriscience)

City hall of Suzano, State of São Paulo, is considering implementing a composting project that converts street market waste into organic fertilizer. The plan, developed with concessionaire Renova Suzano, aims to reduce landfill disposal, strengthen sustainability efforts and provide natural fertilizer for green areas and community gardens. (Suzano Municipality)

Research by Embrapa’s Rice & Beans Unit evaluated alternatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in irrigated rice systems. Results showed that applying rice husk biochar influences ammonia volatilization, particularly in the first year, while green manure does not reduce nitrogen losses but maintains yields comparable to synthetic fertilizers. Results suggest that biochar and green manure may provide more sustainable nitrogen sources in the long term. (Embrapa)

Reduced margins delayed purchases and increased the cost of fertilizers for the 2025/26 season. Simulations show that the farmers who postponed purchases from January-April to May-July ended up paying more. (CNA)

In the 1H25, Harvest Minerals’ fertilizer revenue fell 58%. Net loss was US$ 1.98 million. The company also expanded its Arapuá Project in Brazil to explore rare-earth elements. (Harvest Minerals)

Farmers have been choosing cheaper fertilizers. Between January and August of 2025, imports of monoammonium phosphate fell 17%, while single superphosphate imports rose 23% and triple superphosphate increased 31%. Experts warn of lower solubility in some products and possible effects on uptake, but immediate productivity can be maintained by adjusting rates, soil phosphorus stocks and with favorable weather, requiring great care in applications. (Rabobank)

Mosaic has completed the sale of its phosphate unit in Patos de Minas, State of Minas Gerais, to Fosfatados Centro for US$ 111 million. (The Mosaic Company)

Santa Quitéria Fertilizer Project in the State of Ceará is expected to reduce Brazil’s dependence on phosphate fertilizers by up to 15%. US$ 430 million in investments are expected. The project still needs to obtain licensing from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources and the requirements are expected to be met by October 30th. (Galvani)

Companies with registered biological products in Brazil increased from 8 (2014) to 53 (2024), a 662% increase over ten years. (CropLife Brasil)

Exchange rate between ag products and fertilizers worsened in the 2025/26 season for soybean, corn, cotton and sugarcane, pressured by higher costs and a decline in commodity prices. In the case of soybeans in the State of Mato Grosso, the exchange rate increased from 19 to 22.4 bags per tonne of fertilizer and corn exchange rate in the State of Paraná increased from 48.7 to 62 bags. For sugarcane, the ratio rose from 18.3 to 24.2 tonnes of sugarcane per tonne of fertilizer. Coffee is an exception, with a purchasing power improvement of approximately 20%. (MacroSector Consulting)

Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Carrefour in Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina, for selling grapes containing residues of the insecticide Chlorpyrifos Ethyl, which is not allowed for this crop according to Normative Instruction No. 346/2025. The substance, used in 24 other crops, was detected in an analysis by the Integrated Agricultural Development Company of Santa Catarina, which indicates a possible violation of the Consumer Protection Code. Carrefour claims to maintain strict controls and a commitment to food safety. (MPSC; Cidasc)

According to researcher Daniel Andrade, from the State University of São Paulo, controlling the leprosy mite (Brevipulpus phoenicis) has become a challenge in several regions of Brazil. Andrade notes that favorable climate, multiple blooms, a lack of acaricides and resistance against pesticides are the main factors. The recommendations include monitoring and applying at low infestation levels, focusing on application technology, rotating modes of action and incorporating bioinputs. (Fundecitros; Unesp)

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into allegations of pesticide spraying on the Guyraroká Indigenous Territory in Caarapó, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, following the Guarani and Kaiowá reoccupation of the Iputiã farm. The community reports health impacts and contamination of inhabited areas, including a school and health clinic. Analysis performed by Fiocruz detected more than 20 pesticides in water samples in the area. (MPMS; Fiocruz)

Aloe vera, traditionally used in cosmetics, is gaining ground as a natural pesticide and biofertilizer. The processing residue combats pests, fungi and bacteria, and it strengthens plants against water stress and UV radiation. (Aloe Fértil Brasil)

The use of bionematicides surpassed the use of chemical nematicides in soybean, corn and cotton crops in Brazil. These biopesticides represent 47% of the soybean treated area and have reached 75% of the market. (Kynetec Brasil)

Anvisa announced the voluntary withdrawal of the toxicological evaluation of glyphosate-isopropylamine salt 480 g/L SL and pyriproxyfen 200 g/L EC from Nortox. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Res. No. 3900 from 10/03/2025, Anvisa)

Cotagri platform allows users to organize and compare proposals from agricultural input suppliers in a single website, gathering data on prices, deadlines and commercial conditions. The system also provides comparative maps and cost history, contributing to more transparent and efficient purchase decisions for companies of all sizes. (Cotagri)

The Brazilian Association of Fine Chemical Industries met with the Third Board of Directors of Anvisa to discuss concerns about the pesticide market, highlighting the entry of imported products without traceability. (Abifina)



Latin America

Gowan acquired the Dutch company Ceradis, incorporating biomineral technologies that combine conventional pesticides and natural compounds, strengthening its R&D and presence in Europe and the Americas. (Gowan Company)

CropLife Latin America launched a new online course on biopesticides and their integration into Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The program covers biological control methods, regulation and market trends in the region. According to José Perdomo, president of the organization, the platform has issued more than 80 thousand certificates. (CropLife Latin America)

Río Negro Province, Argentina, launched the PAR Agrochemicals 2026 program, which provides financing for the acquisition of inputs for fruit farmers with properties up to 200 hectares, with a 25% annual interest rate. (Government of the Province of Río Negro)

Syngenta has appointed Karim Cristina Piacentini as its Product Safety Project Leader for Brazil and Latin America, focusing on biological solutions. (Syngenta)

Renato Seraphim, founder of Agro Ikemba, said that Paraguay has become a competitive hub for toll manufacturing of agrochemicals destined for the Brazilian market, combining a single 1% tax on value added, less costs with power and optimized logistics. (Agro Ikemba)

From January to August of 2025, Paraguay’s imports of single superphosphate increased 25% when compared to the same period of 2024, while imports of NP, a nitrogen and phosphorus-based product, increased 38%. Conversely, purchases of monoammonium phosphate, a higher-concentration phosphate, decreased 13% when compared to 2024. (StoneX Consultoria)



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