Integration of Bee Hives in Brassica carinata Plantations Increases Seed Productivity
Brazil
In January 2026, Brazil’s fertilizer import price average increased 5.2% in US dollar to US$ 325.5/ton (FOB), while import volume reached 2.87 million tonnes, down 4.4% compared to January 2025. In the series starting in 2020, Fertilizer costs continue to accumulate a higher increase relative to that observed for corn and soybeans prices, keeping pressure on farm production costs, although the appreciation of the BRL has narrowed part of that gap in recent months. (Secex; Comex Stat)
Iran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz may disrupt logistics and push up prices of nitrogen fertilizers, especially urea, if restrictions persist. In Brazil, the immediate impact is likely limited because February is not a peak month of nitrogen fertilizer purchases, but the risk rises if restrictions continue. (Argus)
Fertilizantes Heringer borrowed US$ 19.5 million from its controlling shareholder EuroChem to pay or refinance debt, settle financial obligations and support operations. (Fertilizantes Heringer)
Anvisa will hold an in-person technical training session in Brasília on March 10th and 11th, 2026, focused on the “avaliAR calculator”, a tool designed to support non-dietary pesticide exposure risk assessment. The program will offer two classes of 60 participants each (120 seats total), limited to two participants per company or institution and open until March 2nd or until all seats are filled. The initiative is intended to support implementation of the new risk assessment regulatory framework, including Board Resolution No. 998/2025 and Guide No. 84/2025. (Anvisa)
The Government of the State of São Paulo instituted the State Plan for the Prevention, Control and Eradication of giant pigweed (Amaranthus palmeri) following the confirmation of an infestation on February 3, in a property in the municipality of Mirassol. The plan establishes phytosanitary surveillance protocols, inspections, the interdiction of infested areas, and the immediate elimination of outbreaks, under the coordination of the Agricultural Defense Department of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply. The initiative aims to contain the spread of the pest, which has a high potential for herbicide resistance and impacts crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton. (Government of the State of São Paulo)
In 2025 was recorded high number of lawsuits to expedite pesticide registration evaluations. There were 96 registration approvals of formulated products (chemicals) and equivalents, corresponding to 23.53% of the approvals in these categories, according to a study conducted by AllierBrasil Consulting. (AllierBrasil)
Brazil’s Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, Paulo Teixeira, visited the Indian Institute of Farming Systems in Modipuran, Uttar Pradesh, on February 18th to learn about large-scale agroecology and biological input programs in India. During the Brazilian delegation’s visit, researchers presented practices aimed at replacing chemical fertilizers and pesticides with biological alternatives, focusing on cost reduction and soil improvement. Teixeira proposed cooperation agreements between Brazil’s ministry and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, as well as collaboration between Embrapa and the Indian institute for researcher exchanges and knowledge sharing. (MDA)
In a joint operation involving MAPA, the Civil Police and Agricultural Institute of the State of Minas Gerais, over 17 tonnes of illicit ag inputs were seized in a clandestine warehouse in the state. This action was followed by a further crackdown in the Triângulo Mineiro region during the same week, which resulted in the seizure of another 21 tonnes of illegal products. (CropLife)
Brazil has established itself as a leader in tropical agriculture. However, it operates under a structural vulnerability due to an extreme dependence on inputs, importing about 85% to 87% of all fertilizers and 70% of chemical pesticides. In this context, bio-inputs emerge as a strategic tool for technological sovereignty, showing an annual growth rate of 22%, which is four times the global average. Although the adoption rate already reaches 26% of the agricultural area, the sector still faces the challenge of transforming this accelerated growth into a systemic change capable of reducing the fragility of the national production matrix. (Cepea, Occasional Discussion Paper No. 2)
In compliance with court decisions, Anvisa has approved toxicological evaluations of diquat dibromide (Agrobeats) and mancozeb (Biorisk), along with a new microbiological product based on ascaroside (Lemma); voluntary withdrawal requests of toxicological evaluation of chlorimuron-ethyl + flumioxazin (Cropchem) and mesotrione (Crystal) were withdrawn. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Res. No. 622 and 623 of Feb. 13, 2026; Res. No. 668 and 669 of Feb. 20, 2026, Anvisa)
A partnership between the startup BiotecBlue and Federal University of São Paulo uses treated effluents from breweries and aquaculture for the controlled cultivation of microalgae, transforming polluting residues into low-cost agricultural biostimulants. The project promotes a circular economy by converting nutrients into biomass rich in proteins and antioxidants, which has already been successfully tested on corn, coffee and vegetable crops. The initiative presents itself as a strategic alternative to reduce Brazilian dependence on imported fertilizers. (Agência Fapesp)
The State of Tocantins recorded a 31% increase in the return of empty pesticide packages in 2025, reflecting the growing environmental awareness of farmers. This progress was driven by the Agricultural Defense Agency through inspection and guidance, as well as the success of the Itinerant Receiving Project, which facilitated correct disposal for more than 1,600 small farmers. (Adapec)
A survey performed by the Santa Catarina Public Prosecutor’s Office identified the presence of pesticides in the drinking water of 155 municipalities, representing more than 52% of the state. A total of 42 types of active ingredients were detected, including five substances banned by Anvisa, as well as high concentrations of fungicides and neonicotinoid insecticides. Although the identified levels remain within the individual limits permitted by Brazilian legislation, the study warns of the risks associated with chronic exposure. (MPSC)
Military police officers from the Department of Frontier Operations arrested a young man in the city of Maracaju while he was transporting 700 kg of smuggled pesticides from Paraguay. The cargo, valued at approximately US$ 145.6 thousand was intended for delivery in Sidrolândia for a payment of US$ 291.27. This seizure is part of the Protector of Borders and Boundaries Program, strengthening the fight against the trafficking of illegal agricultural inputs in the border region. (DOF)
Published the Decree No. 4,954/2004, which regulates Law No. 6,894/1980 regarding the inspection and supervision of the production and trade of fertilizers, soil conditioners, inoculants, stimulants or biofertilizers, remineralizers, and plant substrates for agriculture, has undergone amendments and updates. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Decree No. 12858 of 02/24/2026).
Latin América
A trial has begun in Rosario, Argentina, against seven farmers and two municipal officials from Pergamino over alleged contamination linked to the use of agrochemicals near urban areas. The federal prosecutor Federico Reynares Solari delivered the opening argument and the case combines four proceedings, two complainant parties and more than 100 expected witnesses. The charges include environmental crimes and, for the public officials, alleged breach of public duties. (Argentina’s Public Prosecutor’s Office)
In Colombia, agrochemical imports continue to rise, reflecting stronger demand while supply remains stable through a more diversified sourcing strategy. According to a report by Bancolombia, the country imported 2.13 million tonnes of fertilizers in 2024 and reached 1.94 million tonnes by October of 2025, up 10% from the same period in 2024. The bank also noted that China surpassed Russia in nitrogen fertilizer supply, highlighting a shift in import origins. (Bancolombia)
Resolution 000197 from 2026, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, prohibits the import, manufacturing, marketing and use of methyl bromide, as well as products containing the same active ingredient. (Ministry of Health and Social Protection)
A study by the National Agricultural Technology Institute confirmed that the planned integration of bee hives in Brassica carinata plantations increases seed productivity by 37%, which represents an increase of nearly 900 kg/ha compared to self-pollination. The research conducted in Santa Fe, Argentina, demonstrates that biotic pollination significantly improves the number of fruits and seed weight without altering the nutritional quality (protein and fat) of the grains. (INTA)
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