Startup Agro Minds publishes bioinputs map in Brazil

Date:02-24-2025

In recent years, the growth of bioinputs in Brazil has been driven by both public policies and private sector interest due to the environmental, economic, and social benefits these products offer. 

In this article, Agro Minds, a data intelligence startup, explains how Brazil has become a global reference in bioinputs, the advantages of this technology, and the challenges for its consolidation.

Agro Minds classifies bioinputs as "products of biological origin used in agriculture to promote plant growth, improve soil fertility, protect against pests and diseases, and reduce dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides." They include:

• Biodefensives: Biological agents such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses are used to control pests and diseases. Products for pest and disease control include semiochemicals, biochemicals, phytochemicals, metabolites, organic macromolecules, and biological control agents.

  
  

• Inoculants: Products containing beneficial microorganisms for plant development, such as those aiding in nitrogen fixation.

  
  

• Biofertilizers: Microorganisms or natural substances that enhance plant nutrition.

  
  

• Biostimulants or growth inhibitors: Products that act on plant development, stress resistance, rooting, sprouting, and more.

  
  

• Soil conditioners: Products that improve nutrient solubilization (e.g., phosphate, sulfur, potassium), produce plant hormones, and enhance soil health.

According to Agro Minds, Brazil is one of the most advanced countries in adopting bioinputs, being a pioneer in the regulation and development of this sector. The growth of the bioinputs market in Brazil is due to several factors:

1. Favorable Public Policies

José Victor Torres, General Coordinator of Pesticides and Related Products at the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), notes that since the 2010s, the Brazilian government has encouraged the adoption of bioinputs through differentiated regulations for product registration. Programs like the National Bioinputs Program, launched in 2020, aim to stimulate research, innovation, and production of biological inputs. Additionally, a new Bioinputs Law (Law 15.070/24) was recently approved. State-level initiatives also support on-farm production and the expanded use of these products.

2. Unique Biodiversity

Brazil's vast biodiversity offers untapped potential for discovering new beneficial microorganisms. Many companies and research institutions are working to identify and develop products from the rich microbiota of Brazilian soil.

3. Growing Demand for Sustainable Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management

With increasing environmental concerns, international restrictions on chemical products, reductions in maximum residue limits, and pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural production, bioinputs have become a viable alternative for producers seeking sustainability. Fabio Kagi, Institutional and Regulatory Relations Manager at Sindiveg, highlights that bioinputs expand integrated pest management options and extend the longevity of molecules against pest resistance.

4. Technological Advancements

Innovations in biotechnology have enabled the development of more efficient and accessible bioinputs. Paulo Campante, Regional Director for Latam at Elemental Enzymes, states that Brazilian companies and universities have invested in research to improve the efficacy and stability of these products, making them competitive with traditional inputs. This has also attracted international companies to Brazil.

Agro Minds also highlights several benefits for farmers and the environment:

1. Reduced Dependence on Imported Chemical Inputs

Brazil is a major importer of fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The use of bioinputs can reduce this external dependence, promoting greater autonomy for producers and stabilizing production costs.

2. Lower Environmental Impact

Bioinputs reduce soil and water contamination, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve biodiversity, contributing to a more balanced and regenerative agriculture.

3. Improved Soil Health

The application of beneficial microorganisms enhances soil structure and fertility, promoting better water and nutrient retention and stimulating healthy root growth.

4. Increased Agricultural Value

The use of bioinputs can add value to production, opening doors to markets that require sustainable certifications.

Challenges for the Expansion of Bioinputs in Brazil

Despite the progress, Agro Minds points out that challenges remain for Brazil to consolidate its position as a bioinputs leader fully:

1. Regulation of the Bioinputs Law and Bureaucracy Reduction

Although Brazil has advanced in bioinputs regulation, Amanda Bulgaro, Federal Regulation Manager at AENDA (National Association of Phytosanitary Product Companies), notes that challenges remain, such as registration by intended use (e.g., the same microorganism requiring multiple registrations for different uses). The new Bioinputs Law (15.070/2024), yet to be regulated, aims to address these issues.

2. Knowledge Dissemination

Many producers are still unaware of the benefits of bioinputs or how to apply them correctly. Expanding technical training and specialized assistance is crucial to accelerate the adoption of these technologies.

3. Infrastructure and Production

The production of bioinputs, especially for on-farm formulations, faces logistical and infrastructure challenges. Investments in biofactories and distribution improvements can increase the availability of these products.

4. Efficiency and Adaptation

As living organisms, bioinputs can vary in effectiveness depending on climatic conditions and agricultural practices. Continued research is essential to improve stability, shelf life, and efficacy.

Brazil in Numbers

According to Agro Minds, Brazil has registered:

- 744 biodefensives,

- 695 inoculants,

- 1,460 biofertilizers and organic fertilizers,

- 90 biological soil conditioners.

For biodefensives, 62% were registered in the last five years. For other categories, 90% were registered or had their registrations renewed in the last five years (a quinquennial renewal requirement). Table 1 shows the history of bioinput registrations or renewals in recent years.

Table 1 History of registrations or renewals of bioinput registrations in recent years.

Another warning from Agro Minds is about the variability of microorganisms. Although Brazil has excellence in the production of bioinputs, 64% of the biodefensive registrations correspond to 10 microorganisms (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Cotesia flavipes, Bacillus subtilis, Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), Bacillus velezensis and Trichogramma pretiosum), as shown in Table 2. In the case of inoculants, the concentration is even more pronounced: 73% of the registrations refer to 3 microorganisms: Bradyrhizobium sp., Azospirillum brasilense, and Rhizobium sp.

Table 2. Percentage comparison of the main microorganisms in biodefensives.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, Brazil is consolidating its position as a global leader in bioinputs, driven by public policies, unique biodiversity, and growing demand for sustainable agriculture. However, to fully harness the potential of these inputs, the country must advance in regulation, producer training, infrastructure investment, and research and development.

The path to establishing Brazil as the bioinputs powerhouse is clear, as stated by Eduardo Pesarini, Operations and Supply Chain Director at Biotrop, a pioneer in bioinputs in Brazil. Now, intensive efforts are needed to ensure this biological revolution benefits the entire production chain and society as a whole.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)