Argentina Advances US$ 2.7 Billion Urea Plant With Brazil as Main Export Market
Brazil
FMC reported revenue of US$ 106 million in the 3Q26, down 80% from the same period in 2025, and a net loss of US$ 2.07 billion. Sales in Latin America fell 43% to US$ 264 million. Commercial measures had a negative impact of US$ 672 million on adjusted EBITDA, including price adjustments for pesticides held in distributor inventories in Brazil, Argentina, the USA and Canada. (FMC – 10/29/26)
Anvisa approved, following lawsuits, the toxicological evaluations of RAINBOW’s tembotrione and CHDS’s fluroxypyr-meptyl + picloram isooctyl. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Resolutions-RE No. 4268 and 4269, dated 10/28/26 – published on 11/03/26, Anvisa)
Syngenta Group reported a 6% decline in crop protection sales in Brazil and a 14% decline in the rest of Latin America between January and September 2026. According to the company, pricing pressure on off-patent products affected regional performance. Biologicals sales recorded double-digit growth in the 3Q26, driven mainly by Brazil and China. Field crop seed sales increased 13% in Brazil and 5% in Latin America. (Syngenta Group – 10/30/26)
ADAMA reported revenue of US$ 897 million in the 3Q26, (-4%), and a net loss of US$ 115 million, compared with US$ 48 million a year earlier. Sales in Latin America fell 8% to US$ 286 million. The company attributed declining sales in Brazil to pricing pressure, farmers’ liquidity constraints and competition in the off-patent crop protection market. Sales volumes increased in the rest of Latin America, particularly in Argentina. (ADAMA – 10/29/26)
MAPA published the cancellation of 8 pesticide registrations and 1 registration request (Official Gazette of Brazil, Act No. 64, dated 10/16/26 – published on 10/20/26, MAPA).
BASF reported a 19.7% decline in Agricultural Solutions sales in the 3Q26 to approximately US$ 1.57 billion. Sales volumes fell 17.3% and prices declined 4.8%. EBITDA before special items shifted from positive US$ 89.5 million to negative US$ 53.7 million. According to the company, the decline was also affected by sales brought forward to the second quarter in markets across South America, Africa and the Middle East. (BASF – 10/29/26)
Bunge reported net income of US$ 318 million in the 3Q26, compared with US$ 166 million a year earlier, and global revenue of US$ 23.8 billion. In South America, the company reported improved soybean processing results in Brazil and Argentina, partially offset by weaker fertilizer and refining performance in both markets. The company did not disclose separate financial figures for fertilizer operations in these countries. (Bunge – 10/29/26)
MAPA published 27 pesticide registration requests, including equivalent technical products and premixes. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Act No. 66, dated 10/23/26, MAPA)
CropLife Brasil reported that the area planted with non-certified soybean and cotton seeds increased 210% between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 seasons. In soybeans, saved or counterfeit seeds cover 9.6 million hectares, approximately 20% of the national area. In biological inputs, the area treated with inoculants increased 38.6% in the 1H26 to 9.4 million hectares, while revenue fell 21.5% to approximately US$ 19.5 million. Between January and September, 61 new biological inputs were registered, including 44 microbial agents. (CropLife Brasil – 10/29/26)
Syngenta Biologicals reported expanding its portfolio in Brazil with products including AVAKITT NEO, based on mycorrhizal fungi, and VIVA, focused on rhizosphere development. According to the company, field trials with AVAKITT NEO indicated average yield gains of up to 15%. CropLife data cited by Syngenta show that the biological inputs market exceeded approximately US$ 236 million in the first four months of 2026, with 31 million hectares treated. (Syngenta; CropLife Brasil – 10/29/26)
MAPA published 78 pesticide registration approvals, including equivalent technical products. (Official Gazette of Brazil Act No. 68, dated 10/23/26 – published on 10/28/26, MAPA).
Atlas Agro, a low-carbon fertilizer project developer, advanced preparations for an ammonium nitrate plant in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, with projected investment of US$ 1.1 billion and annual capacity of 530 K tonnes. According to the company, purchase agreements already cover approximately 22% of planned production. A final investment decision is expected in 2027, subject to engineering and financing requirements. (Atlas Agro – 10/29/26)
Krilltech, a Brazilian agricultural technology company, reported obtaining approval for a project involving approximately US$ 4.1 million in non-repayable Finep funding to develop nanopesticides. The initiative includes a pilot facility in the Central-West Region for experimental production of nanoherbicides, nanofungicides and nanoinsecticides, in partnership with UnB, UFV and UFRJ. The project is expected to last 36 months and does not yet represent commercial production. (Krilltech – 10/29/26)
The Labor Prosecution Service authorized a staff member to take leave to attend the 1st International Conference on the Global Framework on Chemicals, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Ordinance No. 1,647, dated 10/22/26 – published on 10/23/26, MPT).
Agrion Fertilizantes and Cerradão began developing an organomineral fertilizer plant in Frutal, State of Minas Gerais, on October 28th, with planned initial investment of approximately US$ 8.4 million. The facility is expected to produce 70 K tonnes annually in its first phase, with potential expansion to 205 K tonnes. The project will use sugarcane industry residues, with operations expected to begin in 2027. (Agrion – 10/30/26)
The Ministry of Mines and Energy reported that the first federal natural gas auction allocated 1.1 million m³ per day to 23 industrial companies, including the nitrogen fertilizer sector. According to the ministry, prices obtained for this segment were up to 57% below the market benchmark used in its comparison. Natural gas is a feedstock for ammonia and urea production. (MME – 10/29/26)
UPL launched Sucessor insecticide in Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The product combines bifenthrin and ethiprole using Blast formulation technology. Registered for soybeans, corn and cotton, it targets stink bugs, leafhoppers and cotton boll weevils. According to the company, it provides knockdown activity within 30 minutes to one hour after application and residual control for up to 14 days. (UPL – 11/2/26)
Brazilian Federal Police and Border Police seized 260 packages of pesticides originating from Paraguay in Guaíra, State of Paraná, on October 28th. In a separate operation on October 30th, State Civil Police and the National Public Security Force seized 207.5 kg of pesticides in the same municipality. Two people were arrested in the second operation. (Federal Police – 10/29/26; Civil Police of the State of Paraná – 10/30/26)
MAPA published 14 pesticide registration requests, including microbiological fungicides, insecticides and nematicides, as well as a pheromone-based product. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Act No. 69, dated 10/29/26 – published on 11/04/26, MAPA).
Researchers from the Federal University of Viçosa and Univates found that a synthetic peptide reduced maize leaf consumption by the velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis) by approximately 73% under laboratory conditions. The compound inhibited digestive enzymes, induced oxidative stress and reduced insect survival. The findings indicate potential for developing new pest control technologies, although field efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. (Pest Management Science – 11/2/26)
Latin America
The Integrated Pest Management Network identified high risks of crop pests, diseases and weeds across 13 agricultural regions in Argentina in October. The report highlighted fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in corn, fungal diseases affecting wheat and barley, and weeds including Lolium spp. and Conyza spp. The findings represent monitored risk levels for the 2026/27 season. (AAPPCE, RedMIP – 11/2/26)
The National Institute of Agricultural Technology warned of conditions favorable to thread blight in yerba mate crops in Argentina during October and November. The disease, caused by Ceratobasidium niltonsouzanum, is favored by high humidity and temperatures near 25 °C and can cause leaves and branches to dry out. The institute recommends monitoring, sanitary pruning and tool disinfection. (INTA – 11/3/26)
The National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality intensified phytosanitary inspections of used agricultural machinery imported into Argentina through the port of Zárate. The agency reported 214 machines entering the country in 2026, compared with 61 during the same period in 2025. Equipment must be free of soil, plant residues and pests and comply with quarantine treatment and phytosanitary certification requirements. (Senasa – 10/30/26)
The National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality in Argentina and the National Plant and Seed Quality and Health Service in Paraguay strengthened technical cooperation on integrated fruit fly management. The project includes evaluating a control program for mango crops in the Paraguayan department of Cordillera and improving surveillance of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), including the sterile insect technique. (Senasa; Senave – 10/29/26)
Fértil Pampa, a subsidiary of Pampa Energía, secured financing of up to US$ 300 million from Itaú Unibanco for construction of a urea plant in Bahía Blanca, Argentina. The project involves total investment of US$ 2.7 billion and projected annual capacity of 2.1 million tonnes, with Brazil as its main export market. The loan agreement was signed on October 1st. (Pampa Energía – 10/29/26)
Profertil and the municipality of Bahía Blanca in Argentina signed a cooperation agreement to support the expansion of its fertilizer complex, with estimated investment of US$ 1.7 billion. The project would add 1.5 million tonnes of annual capacity and increase total urea production to 2.82 million tonnes per year. A final investment decision is expected in 2027, with additional production potentially beginning in 2031. (Profertil – 10/29/26)
The Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile amended requirements for fertilizer and biostimulant commercialization, imports and labeling. Under the regulation, phytosanitary risk analysis of microorganisms contained in imported biostimulants will be required only when the species first enters the country. The measure also changes distributor responsibilities and allows labeling corrections through supplementary labels under specific conditions. (Official Gazette of Chile, Resolution No. 10,283/2026 – 10/29/26)
The Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile lifted the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) quarantine in Matilla, Tarapacá Region, on October 30th. The eradication campaign, launched in March, concluded after three biological cycles without new detections. The last capture occurred on July 13th. Control measures included the sterile insect technique and cold quarantine treatments. (SAG – 10/30/26)
The Colombian Agricultural Institute reinforced the use of Sisfito-Hass for phytosanitary monitoring of Hass avocado crops in Colombia. The platform allows farmers to review phytosanitary conditions at production sites, record trap readings and monitor surveillance plans required by export markets. The announcement describes an existing platform without introducing new regulatory requirements. (ICA – 10/30/26)
The Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control reported that the USA updated phytosanitary requirements for cut chrysanthemum flowers imported from Ecuador, following the removal of white rust (Puccinia horiana) from its quarantine pest classification. Starting November 9th, shipments will no longer require an import permit or registration of production sites under disease-specific listings. Phytosanitary inspection at the destination remains mandatory. (Agrocalidad – 10/29/26)
The Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control installed biosecurity signage at four strategic locations in El Oro Province, Ecuador, to reinforce containment of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in banana-growing areas. The locations include Huaquillas, El Quemado and the La Avanzada and El Garrido toll stations. The measure aims to improve compliance with vehicle and equipment disinfection procedures. (Agrocalidad – 10/29/26)
Bayer introduced Plenexos insecticide into the market in Mexico in October. The launch is part of the company’s strategy to expand its crop protection portfolio in Latin America. Bayer also reported that the Vyconic soybean trait stack advanced to the final stage of European Union import approval. (Bayer – 11/3/26)
The government of San Luis Potosí in Mexico announced the launch of the Sustenta+ and Cosechando Soberanía programs on October 31st for the 2026/27 agricultural season, focusing on sugarcane farmers. The initiatives include technical assistance, financing alternatives, biological inputs and practices to improve fertilizer and water use efficiency, aiming to reduce production costs. (Sedarh – 10/31/26)
Dekalpar, an agricultural input distributor in Paraguay, reported preparations to introduce a bioherbicide into the domestic market, without disclosing a launch date. The company also reported regional field trial results for Bombardeiro, a biofungicide formulated with three Bacillus species, indicating an average soybean yield increase of 235 kg/ha. Results depend on management conditions and do not guarantee commercial performance. (Dekalpar – 10/31/26)
The National Agrarian Health Service in Peru authorized the import of 36.4 K blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum) from Chile through the Santa Rosa land border crossing in Tacna during November 2026. The shipment must comply with refrigerated transportation, phytosanitary inspection and post-entry quarantine requirements in Ica. The authorization applies specifically to Prosembra. (Official Gazette of Peru, Resolution No. D000040-2026-MIDAGRI-SENASA-DSV – 10/29/26)
The Andean Community and German development cooperation agency GIZ signed an 18-month agreement on October 29th to strengthen prevention and control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in banana and plantain crops in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The cooperation aims to expand early detection, biosecurity protocols and integrated disease management while strengthening the Regional Phytosanitary Intelligence Center. (Andean Community – 10/29/26)
Bayer reported an 11.3% increase in Crop Science sales in Latin America in the 3Q26 to approximately US$ 2.39 billion. On a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis, sales grew 5.6%, driven by demand for corn and soybean seeds. Globally, the division’s EBITDA before special items fell 41.3% to approximately US$ 112.9 million, while fungicide sales declined 8.6% on an adjusted basis, also affected by generic competition in Latin America. (Bayer – 11/3/26)
UPL reported an 8% decline in Latin American sales in the quarter ended September 2026. Crop protection revenue fell 8% and EBITDA declined 14%. According to the company, unfavorable weather conditions and deferred sales affected volumes in Brazil and other Latin American markets. In contrast, Advanta seed sales increased 12%, supported by corn, sunflower and sorghum in Argentina, among other markets. (UPL – 11/2/26)
A study commissioned by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture identified US$ 44.2 billion in annual agri-food exports from the Americas potentially exposed to proposed European Union changes to pesticide maximum residue limits. South America accounts for approximately US$ 29.7 billion of the exposed trade. The analysis uses 2022–2024 averages and does not represent estimated actual losses. (IICA – 10/29/26)
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