Mexico Approves World’s First Commercial RNA-Based Biofungicide
Brazil
MAPA published 15 registration requests for microbiological pesticides and one for a fungicide product based on eugenol, geraniol and thymol. (Official Gazette of Brazil, CGAA Act No. 51 – published on 8/28/26, MAPA)
Ibama published crop protection products commercialization data for 2024. Glyphosate and related salts led with 231.9 K tonnes of active ingredients, while mancozeb increased from 52.3 K to 75.1 K tonnes. Chemical pesticide sales increased from 720.9 K tonnes in 2021 to 800.7 K tonnes in 2022 before declining to 755.5 K tonnes in 2023. Bioinputs maintained a growth trend, led by microbial control agents. In 2024, 58.6% of registered chemical crop protection product brands recorded no sales. (Ibama)
Urea imports reached 2.33 million tonnes from January to July of 2026, down approximately 25% from the same period of 2025. On a nutrient-equivalent basis, nitrogen fertilizer imports declined approximately 20% and monoammonium phosphate – MAP imports decreased approximately 21%. Rabobank maintains the forecast of 45.1 million tonnes for fertilizer deliveries in 2026 and warned about delayed imports, particularly urea for the second corn crop. (Rabobank)
The National Monetary Council – CMN expanded access for the fertilizer supply chain to “Brasil Soberano” credit lines, allowing working-capital financing for fertilizer manufacturers, producers of fertilizer intermediates and companies extracting minerals used in fertilizer production. Resolution No. 5,336 also extended the deadline for financing applications to the Brazilian Development Bank – BNDES through December 31ˢᵗ, 2027. (CMN Resolution No. 5,336/2026; Central Bank of Brazil)
Biopesticide sales reached approximately US$ 1.02 billion in the 2025/26 season (+20%) and a potentially treated area of more than 107 million hectares (+35%), compared with 79.2 million hectares in the previous season. Biological products account for approximately 6% of the crop protection and inoculant market in major crops, while more than 80% of soybean area treated against nematodes uses biological inputs. (CropLife Brasil; Kynetec)
The deadline to submit proposals for the second cycle of BNDES Bioinsumos ended on August 31ˢᵗ. The program provides approximately US$ 7.7 million in non-repayable funding and supports industrial or semi-industrial units producing bioinputs for on-farm use by family-farming cooperatives and associations. Projects must have a minimum investment of approximately US$ 960 K and BNDES participation may reach 90% in certain cases. (BNDES)
Fertilizantes Heringer, a Brazilian fertilizer company, initiated creditor mediation and obtained a 60-day court-ordered suspension of collection and enforcement measures while negotiations continue. The proceeding has a stated value of approximately US$ 385 million, which does not necessarily represent the company’s total debt. The company’s previous bankruptcy protection proceeding was closed in 2022. (Fertilizantes Heringer; TJSP)
The Fund for Citrus Plant Protection – Fundecitrus added eight new Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) populations to the “Avalia Psilídeo” insecticide efficacy monitoring platform. The populations were collected in the States of São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais, in the regions of Bebedouro, Araçatuba, Três Lagoas, Cassilândia, Araxá and Frutal. The platform now includes results from 145 evaluated populations. (Fundecitrus)
Paula Munhoz Antunes was appointed as Crop Protection Trial Lead at Bayer. (Bayer)
Fertilizer prices declined in August and improved farmer barter ratios. Urea fell from US$ 482.50/tonne at the beginning of the month to US$ 422/tonne at the end of the period, while ammonium sulfate declined from US$ 262.50 to US$ 220/tonne. Monoammonium phosphate – MAP reached US$ 855/tonne and continued to limit the recovery in purchasing power across several crops. (Agro Itaú BBA)
Research conducted by the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo – Esalq/USP showed that continuous laboratory exposure to methomyl sharply increased resistance in the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis). In a population collected in Rio Verde, State of Goiás, the methomyl concentration required to kill 50% of the insects was initially 9.73 times higher than for a susceptible reference population. After 26 generations under selection pressure, this difference increased to 163.42 times. Without methomyl exposure, it declined to 4.09 times after 28 generations. The results reinforce the need for rotation of modes of action and integrated pest management. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/
A study by Instituto Biológico and the University of Campinas – Unicamp on on-farm bioinput production showed that more than 90% of surveyed farmers cited greater sustainability among their reasons for adopting the practice, while just over 60% also cited reducing agrochemical use and production costs. More than 50%, however, reported technical and regulatory difficulties. The authors concluded that, despite regulatory advances and public policies supporting the sector, on-farm production still requires greater integration among research institutions, public authorities and farmers. Available at: https://doi.org/10.52641/
A study involving 57 rural workers in Muzambinho, State of Minas Gerais, showed that 12, or 21.1%, reported a history of pesticide poisoning. Among these workers, seven, or 58.3%, had plasma cholinesterase levels within the reference range. The authors concluded that the biomarker should not be used in isolation and recommended combining it with clinical evaluation and occupational history. Available at: https://doi.org/10.70773/
Anvisa approved, in compliance with a court decision, the toxicological evaluation of an equivalent technical product based on chlorfenapyr, from Syncrom. The decision increased the number of toxicological evaluations approved under court orders tracked in 2026 to 89: 74 formulated products based on equivalent technical products, 13 equivalent technical products and two formulated products containing previously registered active ingredients. (Official Gazette of Brazil, Resolution No. 3,389 – published on 8/31/26; Anvisa)
MAPA updated guidelines on August 28ᵗʰ for the registration of new fertilizers, inoculants and soil amendments. For imported products, only research conducted in Brazil is considered. When the official analytical method is unsuitable, companies may propose an alternative method, whose feasibility must be evaluated by MAPA’s General Coordination of Laboratories before registration is granted. MAPA also published updated protocols for the evaluation of inoculants. More information: https://
A new version of the Integrated Pesticide Management System – SIGA entered operation in the State of Rio Grande do Sul on September 1ˢᵗ, when the previous platform was discontinued. Companies had until August 31ˢᵗ to complete system tests and manufacturers were required to update crop protection product registrations for the migration. The system is used by retailers, cooperatives and other market participants to manage crop protection product information in the state. (Seapi; Andav)
Complementary Law No. 235/2026 authorized approximately US$ 192 million per year in tax credits from 2027 through 2031 for projects producing fertilizers, feedstocks, bioinputs, biofertilizers and remineralizers in Brazil. The annual limit may be increased by approximately US$ 192 million, to as much as US$ 385 million. For fertilizers and fertilizer feedstocks, the credit may cover up to 20% of production-related expenditures. Qualified projects may also benefit from an exemption from the Additional Freight Charge for the Renewal of the Merchant Marine – AFRMM, limited to approximately US$ 38.5 million per year. Separately, Bill No. 699/2023, which establishes the Fertilizer Industry Development Program – Profert, is awaiting presidential sanction by September 4ᵗʰ. More information: https://
CropLife Brasil discussed seed piracy and intellectual property during the Brazilian Seed Congress, held from August 25ᵗʰ to 28ᵗʰ in Foz do Iguaçu, State of Paraná. The organization estimates losses of up to approximately US$ 1.9 billion to the supply chain from illegal seed trade and highlighted the coalition created to combat the practice and discussions on changes to the Plant Variety Protection Law. (CropLife Brasil)
Embrapa’s Environment Unit is conducting a project through November 2026 to systematize data on environmental contamination by pesticides and PFOS, a persistent organic pollutant, in Brazil. The research includes monitoring pesticides in water resources and seeks to generate information for public policies, environmental evaluation and internationally recognized sustainability metrics. (Embrapa)
Public Prosecutors’ Offices in the States of Bahia and Tocantins launched an operation against an organization specializing in the theft and illegal resale of pesticides. Authorities executed eight search and seizure warrants in the States of Bahia and Goiás and the Federal District, Brazil. Investigators said the group operated mainly in the States of Tocantins and Bahia during 2025 and the 1Q26, using rural properties to store stolen crop protection products before resale. (MPBA; MPTO)
According to tax attorney and FGV professor Fábio Pallaretti Calcini, the absence of implementing regulations for Bioinputs Law No. 15,070/2024 may create uncertainty over the application of tax treatment under Brazil’s tax reform when product registration is required. Complementary Law No. 214/2025 provides a 60% reduction in IBS and CBS tax rates for biofertilizers, inoculants, biostimulants and bioinputs for phytosanitary control, subject to registration with the competent authority when required. Calcini also points to tax gaps involving on-farm production, particularly assignments, barter transactions, transfers and tax credits for inputs used in own production. (ConJur; Fábio Pallaretti Calcini)
A group of researchers affiliated with Embrapa, universities, federal institutes and research networks submitted a request on August 28ᵗʰ for a meeting with the Office of the Chief of Staff to present proposals for the regulation of Bioinputs Law No. 15070/2024. The proposals include preserving on-farm production for own use, risk-based regulatory evaluation, sanitary quality control and production traceability. (Victor Augustus Marin; Lacomen/Unirio)
The National Council for Indigenous Policy – CNPI recommended that the Federal Government immediately prohibit aerial pesticide spraying within a minimum 10 km radius of Indigenous territories, strengthen enforcement and impose sanctions for irregular applications. Resolution No. 4/2026 also recommends investigations into illegal spraying, including possible seizure of aircraft and equipment. (Official Gazette of Brazil, CNPI Resolution No. 4/2026 – published on 9/1/26)
The inoculants market continues to grow but faces increasing price pressure and competition in 2026, according to Agrocete. ANPII Bio member companies delivered 205.6 million doses in 2024, up 28.1%, while sales increased 10.5% to approximately US$ 101 million. Agrocete expects the company’s inoculant business to grow by approximately 10% this year. (Agrocete; ANPII Bio)
A court in the State of São Paulo accepted Grupo Sefert’s bankruptcy protection [similar to US’ Chapter 11th] filing. The group, a supplier of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, seeks to renegotiate approximately US$ 44 million in debt following higher indebtedness associated with expansion and losses in farming operations. (TJSP; Sefert)
Brazilian fertilizer association ANDA warned about the sharp increase in sulfur costs and risks to Brazil’s phosphate fertilizer production. According to data presented at the 13ᵗʰ Brazilian Fertilizer Congress, CFR Brazil sulfur prices increased from approximately US$ 80/tonne in 2024 to US$ 1,200/tonne in July 2026, while the country depends on imports for more than 90% of sulfur consumption. The input, which previously accounted for 15% to 20% of fertilizer production costs, now represents approximately 67%. The association is calling for an emergency subsidy of up to approximately US$ 385 million to mitigate the impact on domestic production. (ANDA; Sinprifert)
Greening recorded its smallest increase in nine years in the citrus belt of the State of São Paulo and the Triângulo Mineiro/Southwest region of the State of Minas Gerais. According to Fundecitrus, incidence rose from 47.63% in 2025 to 48.08% in 2026, an increase of 0.45 percentage point, compared with 3.28 percentage points in the previous survey. Despite the slowdown, incidence remains high, while the State of São Paulo continues inspections, psyllid control, orchard renewal, research and credit support for citrus farmers. (Fundecitrus; São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply)
Latin America
Syngenta Crop Protection reported sales of US$ 6.6 billion in the 1H26 (+4%). Sales in Brazil increased 7%, while other Latin American markets declined 11%, pressured by pricing, elevated channel inventories and ongoing destocking, particularly in Argentina. Field Crops seed sales increased 18% in Brazil and declined 8% in Latin America. Syngenta Group reported sales of US$ 12.2 billion (-2%) and EBITDA of US$ 2.4 billion (+2%). (Syngenta Group)
The National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality – Senasa expanded the phytosanitary emergency for red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) to the provinces of Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos in Argentina and extended the measure through June 30ᵗʰ, 2028. The decision followed a recent detection of the pest in mainland Entre Ríos and it aims to increase prevention, surveillance and control measures. (Official Gazette of Argentina, DNPV Provision No. 2/2026; Senasa)
Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology – INTA started a regional soybean cultivar evaluation network with partners in Argentina, Uruguay,
Profertil, a nitrogen fertilizer manufacturer in Argentina, raised US$ 90.4 million through a bond issuance, above the initially planned US$ 70 million. The offering received US$ 94.4 million in orders, has a 42-month term and carries a fixed annual interest rate of 5.5%. Proceeds will be used for working capital, gas transportation and operational maintenance. (Profertil)
The Undersecretariat of Agricultural and Forestry Production in Argentina officially recognized a microbial biostimulant developed by INTA as a bioinput. The product, based on Azospirillum argentinense strains Az39 and Az19, received certification under the Argentine Bioproduct program in the Research category and contains at least 93.6% biologically derived content. The certification does not constitute registration or authorization for commercialization. (Official Gazette of Argentina, Provision No. 12/2026)
Colombia lifted the suspension, in place since 2015, on the use of glyphosate in aerial spraying operations to eradicate illicit crops. Resolution No. 6/2026 of the National Narcotics Council states, however, that the decision does not automatically restart spraying operations, which remain subject to environmental and health requirements and participation procedures for affected communities. (Official Gazette of Colombia, Resolution No. 6/2026 – published on August 27ᵗʰ, 2026; National Narcotics Council)
The Agency for Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control – Agrocalidad in Ecuador strengthened biosecurity measures in El Quemado, Santa Rosa, where Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 is under official control. Measures include improvements to the access road to facilitate containment and vehicle disinfection, as well as phytosanitary surveillance and movement controls in the area, particularly ahead of the rainy season. (Agrocalidad)
Mexico registered a double-stranded RNA – dsRNA-based biofungicide for the control of grape powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator). According to developer GreenLight Biosciences, it is the world’s first commercially registered RNA-based biofungicide. The Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks – Cofepris lists Unecyna as the active ingredient, and the registration is valid through June 2031. (Cofepris; GreenLight Biosciences)
The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation – Senacyt and the Agricultural Innovation Institute of Panama – Idiap inaugurated a biological pest control laboratory in Chepo, Panama. The facility was equipped for the multiplication and quality control of parasitoids targeting Spodoptera frugiperda and Oebalus insularis in corn and rice. (Senacyt; Idiap)
The National Service for Plant and Seed Quality and Health – Senave in Paraguay warned about the risk of introduction of cassava witches’ broom disease, caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae, which is classified as an absent quarantine pest in the country. The disease can cause yield losses of 80% to 100% and has no known curative treatment. The agency recommended that farmers should not use propagation material from areas or countries with confirmed occurrence. (Senave)
Researchers from Paraguay have evaluated fungicide programs to control Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) and Cercospora leaf blight during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons in the Canindeyú region. Fungicide combinations with different modes of action — quinone outside inhibitors (QoI), demethylation inhibitors (DMI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) — provided the most consistent control. Programs based only on multisite fungicides, such as mancozeb and chlorothalonil, provided intermediate control, but the lower cost resulted in more favorable cost-benefit ratios in some conditions. Available at: https://doi.org/10.33687/
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