Bioinput market in Brazil grew 15% in 2023/2024 season, CEPEA reports

Brazil's bioinput market recorded 15% growth in the 2023/2024 crop season compared to the previous year, totaling BRL5 billion in sales to farmers. 

The findings were published by CEPEA (Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics) of ESALQ/USP (University of São Paulo).

Over the past three years, this market has shown an average annual growth rate of 21%. This remarkable performance is four times higher than the global average, according to researchers Fernanda Cigainski Lisbinski, Leonardo Ferraz, and Heloisa Lee Burnquist. 

Fernanda Cigainski Lisbinski, Leonardo Ferraz, and Heloisa Lee Burnquist

"The treated area in Brazil with crop protection increased by 15% in the 2022/2023 season compared to the previous one. During this period, agricultural bioinput use grew by more than 35% within this area, reaching 12% of total participation. Among the main crops using bioinputs, soybeans lead with 55%, followed by corn at 27%, sugarcane at 12%, and other crops like cotton, coffee, citrus, and horticulture together accounting for 6%," the researchers stated.

The state of Mato Grosso leads biological product use in Brazil, representing 33.4% of the national total. It is followed by Goiás and Federal District (13%), São Paulo (9%), Paraná (7.9%), and Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais (7.8% each).

The average adoption rate of bioinputs by area increased from 22% to 23% between the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons. Biofungicide use increased from 11% to 12%; bioinsecticides from 19% to 21%; bionematicides from 24% to 25%; bioinoculants from 61% to 63%; and nutrient solubilizers from 3% to 4%.

The global agricultural bioinput market was valued between US$13 billion to $15 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13 to 14% until 2032, potentially reaching US$45 billion. Biological control products represent the largest share at 57% of the total value.

Cost Reduction Potential

CEPEA's article highlighted that bioinputs could significantly reduce production costs in the medium and long term through decreased chemical input needs, lower soil correction costs, and improved soil quality and crop productivity. For example, Embrapa-developed inoculants in sugarcane showed up to 20% productivity increases.

The researchers emphasized that Brazil, as the world's largest sugarcane producer, is well-positioned to lead sustainable agricultural product exports. Bioinput use in sugar and ethanol production could open new international markets, particularly in regions with growing demand for more environmentally friendly products. 

Long-term environmental cost internalization, such as CO2 emission reduction and natural resource preservation, can generate considerable economic advantages as sustainable agricultural practices become increasingly valued globally. Brazil already has a competitive advantage in ethanol production costs compared to other biofuels.

The study concluded that a successful transition requires joint efforts between producers, government, and companies, supported by appropriate public policies, financial incentives, and investments in research and development.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)