Southern Cone Countries Raise Concerns Over EU Pesticide Residue Restrictions Affecting US$ 44.2 Billion in Trade
Brazil
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture published the cancellation of 11 technical pesticide registration requests, covering chlorantraniliprole, dicamba, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, ethiprole, methomyl, mesotrione, thiamethoxam and abamectin. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Act No. 70, dated 11/4/26 – published on 11/10/26, Ministry of Agriculture)
Adama announced the closure of active ingredient manufacturing operations in Taquari, State of Rio Grande do Sul, as part of a global industrial asset review. The facility received approximately US$ 55 million in investment and opened in 2022. The company will maintain production in Londrina, State of Paraná, and the distribution centre in Carazinho, RS. (Adama – 11/9/26)
SML Brasil announced the departure from Sindiveg following requests to raise import tariffs on crop protection products to as much as 35%. Three companies have now announced their departure, including Tecnomyl and Alta Defensivos. SML said it had not participated in prior discussions about the requests. (SML Brasil – 11/9/26)
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Inputs Advisory Committee opposed the request by the Brazilian Association of Fine Chemical, Biotechnology and Specialty Industries to temporarily raise import tariffs from zero to 8% or 10% on fipronil, ammonium glufosinate, tebuthiuron and triclopyr. The committee’s position is advisory and does not change existing tariffs. (Agricultural Inputs Advisory Committee – 11/6/26)
Researchers at the University of Campinas developed a method to recover potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium from landfill leachate by producing carnallite and struvite. The recovered materials were tested in lettuce trials. Commercial adoption will require further development. (FAPESP – 11/10/26)
Agroallianz opposed the proposal to raise import tariffs on formulated crop protection products to as much as 35%. The company warned that the measure could increase production costs, restrict competition and limit farmers’ access to technologies. It advocated strengthening domestic manufacturing through investment, innovation and efficiency gains rather than trade barriers. (Agroallianz – 11/26)
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture authorised Marina Veras Dourado Pires, Head of the Pesticide Reassessment Division, to attend the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 14th to 21st. The travel authorisation does not announce changes to pesticide regulations. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Dispatches dated 11/9/26, Ministry of Agriculture)
Anvisa revoked RDC No. 184/2017, ending simplified pesticide toxicological evaluations through SIPTOX, a system that allowed companies to reuse data from previously evaluated products to accelerate registration. Pending applications must comply with current regulations and submit the required studies. Previously approved evaluations remain valid but require a technical data authorization letter upon migration to SISPA or the first post-registration amendment. (Official Gazette of Brazil, RDC No. 1,047, dated 11/5/26 – published on 11/6/26, Anvisa)
The first citrus canker outbreak in the State of Acre was confirmed on farms in the cities of Brasileia and Epitaciolândia by the State’s agricultural defense agency. The disease, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, prompted stronger surveillance and an investigation into possible entry routes, including planting material without verified phytosanitary origin. (IDAF-AC – 11/5/26)
The agricultural authority of the Federal District established a contingency plan for quarantine and other priority pests under Ordinance No. 408. The regulation creates a phytosanitary emergency group and defines surveillance, early detection and response procedures. (Seagri-DF – 11/5/26)
Fertilizer deliveries in Brazil totaled 27.31 million tonnes from January to August 2026 (-10.4%). According to fertilizer industry association ANDA, imports fell 12% to 24.27 million tonnes over the same period. (ANDA – 11/4/26)
Rabobank forecasts fertilizer deliveries in Brazil of 44.4 million tonnes in 2026 (-9.6%), recovering to 46.6 million tonnes in 2027. The bank expects the Brazilian crop protection market to reach US$ 20.9 billion next year and projects further expansion of biological inputs despite credit constraints. (Rabobank – 11/5/26)
Nutrien reported a 39% decline in the 3Q26 net earnings to US$ 288 million, while adjusted EBITDA fell 8% to US$ 1.31 billion. Retail adjusted EBITDA decreased amid lower crop nutrient margins. According to the company, credit constraints limited input purchases in Brazil, where weather conditions also affected proprietary product margins. (Nutrien – 11/4/26)
A survey by the agricultural federation of the State of São Paulo found an 18.5% price increase for a flumioxazin-based herbicide and a 19.5% increase for another monitored crop protection product in September, while potassium chloride declined by 19.4%. The changes refer to specific products surveyed in the state, not the entire national market. (FAESP – 11/5/26)
A system developed by the Embrapa for soilless horticulture collects, treats and reuses drained nutrient solutions. In a commercial tomato trial in the State of Ceará, it reduced fertilizer consumption by 29% and improved water-use efficiency by 61%. (Embrapa – 11/5/26)
Embrapa reported research on biological control of the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) using entomopathogenic fungi and drone-based release of beneficial organisms. In laboratory trials, isolates of the genus Metarhizium caused more than 80% insect mortality. Further field validation is required. (Embrapa – 11/5/26)
Instituto Escolhas, a Brazilian research organization, reported that the national statistics agency IBGE rejected the request to include questions on biological input production and use in the 2027 Agricultural Census. According to the institute, the omission will hinder measurement of adoption by crop and farm, potentially leaving a data gap until the next census, expected in 2037. (Instituto Escolhas – 11/5/26)
Soybean planting in the State of Paraná reached 71% of the 5.7 million hectares planned for the 2026/27 season, according to the State’s agricultural economics department. Excess rainfall reduced the share of crops rated good from 88% to 85%. (Paraná Agriculture Department – 11/5/26)
A report by the Social Network for Justice and Human Rights identified 2,068 pesticide poisoning notifications involving children aged 14 or younger in 2025, including 1,032 aged four or younger. Based on Health Ministry data, the organization counted 11,714 notifications across all ages; notifications do not necessarily represent confirmed cases. (Social Network for Justice and Human Rights – 11/5/26)
Embrapa researchers in the State of Maranhão are working to improve the phytosanitary quality of cassava planting material and select tomato hybrids adapted to regional disease pressures. Activities include field validation, demonstration units and technology transfer, with no new registered product announced. (Embrapa – 11/4/26)
Mosaic reported a US$ 72 million net loss in the 3Q26, compared with net income of US$ 411 million a year earlier, and global revenue of US$ 3.1 billion. In Brazil, Mosaic Fertilizantes sales volumes fell 32.1% to 1.9 million tonnes, while segment adjusted EBITDA declined approximately 83% to US$ 41 million. (The Mosaic Company – 11/3/26)
Agrion launched an approximately US$ 8.4 million organomineral fertilizer plant project in the State of Minas Gerais, in partnership with sugarcane processor Cerradão. Initial capacity is projected at 70 K tonnes annually, using residues from sugarcane processing. Operations are planned for June 2027. (Agrion – 11/4/26)
Planned fertilizer plants in Macaé and Porto do Açu, Rio de Janeiro State, have a combined projected capacity of 3.18 million tonnes of urea per year, according to a study by the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan). The projects could help reduce Brazil’s dependence on imports, which account for 97% of nitrogen fertilizer consumption. The facilities are designed to produce 1.8 million and 1.38 million tonnes annually, respectively, but their implementation depends on competitively priced natural gas and adequate infrastructure. (Firjan – 11/4/26)
BASF is developing a soybean seed technology providing control of Pratylenchus brachyurus and partial activity against Heterodera glycines, as well as tolerance to the herbicide isoxaflutole. The results are based on company trials in Brazil. Launch is planned for 2028, subject to regulatory approval. (BASF – 11/5/26)
Tecnomyl Brasil announced that it will not renew the membership in Sindiveg, Brazil’s crop protection industry association, in 2027. The decision followed requests to raise import tariffs on formulated crop protection products to as much as 35%. The company said it had not participated in the discussions and opposed measures that could increase farmers’ costs. The proposed tariffs have not been approved. (Tecnomyl Brasil – 11/6/26)
UPL reported developing a patented formulation for a Beauveria bassiana-based bioinsecticide in the State of São Paulo, with a claimed shelf life of up to 12 months without refrigeration. According to the company, the technology is designed to preserve fungal viability during storage and application. (UPL – 11/6/26)
Brazil’s National Council for Critical and Strategic Mineral Industrialization included phosphate, potassium and sulphur in a list of 27 priority minerals. The three inputs used by the fertilizer industry were placed in the intermediate priority category. Eligible registered projects may access federal support mechanisms. (MAPA – 11/6/26)
Brazilian chemical fertilizer imports totaled 32.68 million tonnes from January to October 2026 (-14.7%), worth US$ 12.66 billion (-3.9%). October imports reached 4.26 million tonnes (-6.6%), while the average import price per tonne rose 12.6% over the ten-month period. (Brazilian Foreign Trade Secretariat – 11/6/26)
Brazilian agtech Vereda raised approximately US$ 5.5 million in a round led by Valor Capital Group and Canary, with participation from an Andreessen Horowitz fund. The company connects seed, fertilizer and crop protection manufacturers directly to farmers without holding inventory or financing sales itself, using digital tools. (Canary/Valor Capital Group – 11/6/26)
The Agriculture Federation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul) reported a 22.65% decline in rural credit contracting from July to September 2026, to approximately US$ 16 billion. Problematic loans reached approximately US$ 37.7 billion in July, increasing financing constraints for crop production costs and input purchases. (Farsul – 11/5/26)
AgriConnection opposed a proposal to raise import tariffs on crop protection products to as much as 35%, arguing that the measure could restrict competition and supply alternatives while increasing agricultural input costs. (AgriConnection – 11/7/26)
PI AgSciences, part of India’s PI Industries, appointed Jonas Cuzzi as Country Head in Brazil. (PI AgSciences – 11/7/26)
The Federal Police, Federal Revenue Service and Border Police Battalion seized approximately 350 packages of pesticides originating from Paraguay in the State of Paraná. The shipment was found in a vehicle intercepted on highway PR-496 and transferred to the Federal Police in Guaíra. (Brazilian Federal Police – 11/9/26)
Anvisa published the voluntary withdrawal of 15 pesticide toxicological evaluation requests: one from Coromandel, six from Sipcam Nichino and eight from Willowood. (Official Gazette of Brazil, RE No. 4,337, dated 11/5/26 – published on 11/9/26, Anvisa)
Anvisa rejected the toxicological evaluation of a microbiological product submitted by Ballagro Agro Tecnologia. (Official Gazette of Brazil, RE No. 4,339, dated 11/5/26 – published on 11/9/26, Anvisa)
Luis Eduardo Pacifici Rangel of the Scientific Council for Sustainable Agriculture and economist Marcelo Fernandes Guimarães warned that tariffs of up to 35% on imported crop protection products could squeeze farmers’ margins. According to estimates cited by the authors, more than 90% of active ingredients used in domestic formulations are imported. (CCAS – 11/9/26)
Latin America
Trials by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology at five locations in Chaco, Argentina, found cotton yield gains of 25%–40% with an application of 50 kg of nitrogen compared with unfertilized plots. Researchers also identified optimal fertilization levels depending on soil nitrogen availability. (INTA – 11/6/26)
In Latin America, Bayer Crop Science sales increased 11.3% to approximately US$ 2.38 billion in the 3Q26, driven by corn and soybean seeds. Globally, the division reported US$ 4.34 billion in sales (+0.7%), while EBITDA before special items fell 41.3% to US$ 113 million. The company also announced plans to launch 17 biological crop inputs in the region by 2030, including eight in Brazil, and partnered with Brazilian company IdeeLab to develop soybean biofungicides. Bayer also introduced Curvet, designed to improve nutrient uptake, with company trials at 114 locations indicating an average soybean yield gain of three bags/ha. (Bayer – 11/4/26)
Pampa Energía began construction of a US$ 2.7 billion urea plant in Argentina, in Bahía Blanca, with planned capacity of 2.1 million tonnes annually. The project will use natural gas from Vaca Muerta and is expected to start production in late 2029, supplying domestic and export markets. (Pampa Energía – 11/3/26)
In Argentina, the National Food Safety and Quality Service established a second mandatory treatment window against Lobesia botrana in San Juan vineyards. Treatments are required from November 6th to 27th in Valle de Tulum and November 13th to December 4th in Sarmiento and 25 de Mayo, including on farms using mating-disruption pheromones. (Senasa – 11/6/26)
Sunflower rust (Puccinia helianthi) was detected in a field at the R1 reproductive stage in north-central Santa Fe, Argentina, by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology. The institute recommended monitoring disease severity and assessing the need for fungicides between the R1 and R5.1 stages. (INTA – 11/5/26)
Researchers at the Corrientes unit of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology in Argentina are testing herbicide efficacy and rice selectivity, evaluating possible weed resistance and examining the compatibility of beneficial microorganisms with crop protection products. Trials also cover winter crops in rice rotations. (INTA – 11/5/26)
Genetic improvement raised wheat yields in Argentina by approximately 1% per year, according to the National Institute of Agricultural Technology. The study covered more than 77 K trial records across 26 crop seasons and found annual gains of 40–44 kg/ha. (INTA – 11/5/26)
The government of Bolivia announced plans to restructure the National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Service, responsible for animal and plant health controls. The proposal involves the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, aiming to strengthen sanitary controls and access to export markets. (Bolivian Ministry of Sustainable Production – 11/5/26)
Authorities in Chile reported 49 active Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) outbreaks under eradication and reinforced road inspections in northern regions. The Agricultural and Livestock Service inspected more than 23 K vehicles since September and seized over three tonnes of irregular agricultural products. It also detected carbofuran and monocrotophos residues, both banned in the country. (SAG – 11/5/26)
The Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile updated the registers of vineyard, blueberry and plum farms located in areas regulated for Lobesia botrana in the 2026/27 season. The lists are part of the official pest surveillance and phytosanitary control programme. (Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service – 11/6/26)
The Colombian Agricultural Institute trained 49 participants in Magdalena, Colombia, to prevent moko disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum race 2 and Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4. The programme addressed symptom detection, biosecurity and reporting suspected cases. (Colombian Agricultural Institute – 11/6/26)
Yara announced a US$ 15 million fertilizer facility investment in Costa Rica, covering 14.9 K m² with storage capacity of 28 K tonnes. The Orotina site will handle blending, packaging, storage and distribution, also serving Nicaragua, Panama and the Caribbean. (Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade – 11/6/26)
Hass avocado phytosanitary surveillance programme in Colombia covers 674 production clusters and approximately 15 K hectares, according to the Colombian Agricultural Institute. The initiative involves more than 10 K farmers and includes inspections and quarantine pest monitoring to protect production and exports. (ICA – 11/5/26)
The Colombian Agricultural Institute reported training on diagnosis and management of potato purple top and zebra chip in Colombia. Associated with pathogens transmitted by the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli), these diseases can reduce yields and affect tuber quality. Completed on October 23rd, the training covered molecular detection and genetic resistance. (ICA – 11/4/26)
The agricultural health authority of Ecuador and a German development cooperation agency trained 26 technicians from eight provinces in epidemiology and biosecurity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4, which causes destructive banana wilt. The programme included a risk matrix to guide disease containment. (Agrocalidad – 11/4/26)
Avocado harvesting and exports from Michoacán resumed on November 5th in Mexico, following an agreement between farmers and packing companies, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The authority said 50 municipalities have officially recognized avocado seed borer-free status (Conotrachelus aguacatae, C. perseae, Heilipus lauri and Stenoma catenifer), supported by trapping and inspections. (Mexican Ministry of Agriculture – 11/4/26)
Southern Agricultural Council ministers meeting in Paraguay asked the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture to coordinate a position on proposed EU restrictions on maximum pesticide residue limits. An institute study identified US$ 44.2 billion in annual agri-food trade potentially exposed, not an estimate of actual losses. (IICA – 11/4/26)
The General Forestry Directorate of Uruguay presented their experience in managing the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) at a regional technical meeting in Argentina. The presentation covered surveillance, early detection and pest control. (MGAP – 11/5/26)
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