What are bioinputs and what is their potential for Brazilian agriculture?

Bio-inputs can be objectively defined as products, processes, or technologies of biological origin used primarily in agriculture to improve the production, protection, and quality of crops and animals. They can also be used in aquaculture systems and planted forests. In agriculture and livestock farming, these inputs contribute to plant and animal nutrition, biological pest and disease control, soil health, and the reduction of post-harvest losses, becoming key components for more sustainable production. Recently, Law No. 15.070/2024 formalized the concept of bio-inputs and created a specific regulatory framework for their production and use in agriculture.

“Product, process or technology of plant, animal or microbial origin, including that originating from a biotechnological process, or structurally similar and functionally identical to that of natural origin, intended for use in the production, protection, storage and processing of agricultural products or in aquatic production systems or planted forests, which interferes with the growth, development and response mechanism of animals, plants, microorganisms, soil and derived substances and which interacts with the products and physical-chemical and biological processes” (BRAZIL, 2024)

The legal definition of bio-inputs encompasses their application in different stages of the agricultural production chain, including not only field production but also storage, processing, and food preservation. In these phases, these inputs can be used as biopreservatives to inhibit the action of unwanted microorganisms, as biofilms applied to fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life, or as biological control agents aimed at preserving processed products. These applications demonstrate the multiplicity of uses for bio-inputs, including in strategies for reducing post-harvest losses and preserving food quality.

The use of bioinputs in agriculture is also directly associated with their positive environmental attributes. These biologically derived products contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing dependence on chemical inputs, improving soil health, and stimulating the ecological balance of production systems. Below is a classification that summarizes the main types of bioinputs used in Brazilian agriculture, along with their respective descriptions, sustainable impacts, and practical examples:

Classification of bioinputs in agriculture

Recent data from CropLife Brasil indicate progress in the adoption of bioinputs in Brazil. The average adoption rate per planted area rose from 23% in the 2023/2024 harvest to 26% in the 2024/2025 harvest, considering the main segments (biological control, inoculants, biostimulants, and solubilizers). This 3 percentage point increase signals a steady pace of expansion, consolidating an average annual growth rate of 22% over the last three years—approximately four times higher than the global average.

The use of bioinputs in Brazil remains concentrated in a few strategic production chains. Recent data from CropLife Brasil shows that soybeans account for 62% of total application of these products, followed by corn (23%) and sugarcane (10%). Crops such as cotton, coffee, citrus fruits, and vegetables together account for only 6% of use. This profile reinforces the economic weight of these sectors in Brazilian agribusiness and the consolidation of already widespread practices, such as the use of inoculants in soybeans and biological agents in sugarcane management.

Furthermore, significant growth by segment was observed in the 2024/2025 harvest: the adoption of bioinsecticides increased from 26% to 30% of the area, bionematicides from 23% to 24%, biofungicides from 11% to 13%, bionoculants from 54% to 56%, and nutrient solubilizers from 4% to 5%. This progress reveals greater integration of bioinputs into agricultural management programs, not only in already established crops, but also opening space for expanded use in systems less representative to date, reinforcing the potential for expanding these inputs across the entire production matrix.

From a regional perspective, Mato Grosso leads the use of agricultural bioinputs, accounting for 34% of the country's treated area. Next in line are Goiás/DF (12%), São Paulo (10%), Paraná, and Mato Grosso do Sul (both with 8%). States such as Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, Tocantins, and Maranhão have smaller shares. This distribution highlights the strong correlation between bioinput use and the country's main agricultural hubs and reinforces the need for differentiated policies to encourage their adoption in less traditional regions.

Bio-input production in Brazil occurs in two main formats: commercial production by biofactories and production for own use, known as "on-farm" . Each model caters to different producer profiles and follows specific regulatory requirements.

Biofactories are establishments registered with the federal agricultural defense agency. They operate on a commercial scale and must comply with legally established technical and health requirements. They produce registered, quality-assured inputs that are distributed to farms of various sizes, cooperatives, and resellers.

On-farm production, on the other hand, occurs directly on the rural property and is intended for the exclusive use of the producer. Regulated by Law No. 15.070/2024, this modality is exempt from registration as long as it does not involve commercialization. However, it must follow good manufacturing practices and, in some situations, have technical assistance.

The legislation also allows for collective on-farm production, organized by associations, cooperatives, or consortia, expanding access to bioinputs among family farmers. The law also recognizes the productive diversity of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, eliminating the need for formal registration of these units and establishing standards adapted to their local realities.

Analyzing the production, export, and import of bioinputs faces a significant challenge: the limitations of the HS (Harmonized System) codes used to classify these products in official databases. Many of these codes do not clearly distinguish bioinputs from conventional chemicals that may have similar uses in agriculture or other sectors. For example, in the case of biofertilizers, the codes often group together formulations of biological and chemical origin, making it difficult to obtain accurate data on the volume of bioinputs sold.

The Brazilian bioinputs market is expected to continue growing at rates above the global average in the coming years. According to a survey by CropLife Brasil, the sector generated approximately R$5 billion in revenue in the 2023/2024 harvest, a 15% increase compared to the previous cycle. Internationally, projections indicate that the global bioinputs market could reach US$45 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of between 13% and 14%, driven by the increased adoption of these products in large-scale crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat.

The use of bioinputs in Brazil is still concentrated in crops such as soybeans, corn, and sugarcane, but public policies have been seeking to expand their adoption in other production chains. Notable among these initiatives are rural credit programs with subsidized interest rates, such as the former ABC Plan and its successor, RenovaAgro, which finance sustainable technologies, including bioinputs.

One of the main bottlenecks to the expansion of these inputs is the lack of adequate technical assistance, especially among small and medium-sized producers. The efficient use of bioinputs requires knowledge of integrated management, formulation, application, and monitoring of results. Without qualified guidance, the risk of inappropriate use increases, which can compromise effectiveness and discourage adoption. Therefore, public policies that integrate credit with technical training are essential to expand access and ensure consistent results in the field.

The enactment of Law No. 15.070/2024 represents an important regulatory milestone, establishing clear rules for the production, marketing, and use of bioinputs, including providing for modalities adapted to the reality of family farming and traditional communities.

Legal incentives, combined with targeted credit and structured technical assistance, are essential to enabling a large-scale transition toward more sustainable agriculture in Brazil. This trajectory can reduce dependence on imported inputs, enhance national biodiversity, and strengthen technological innovation in the field.

References and recommended readings:

BRAZIL. Law No. 15.070, of December 23, 2024. Regulates the production, use and marketing of bio-inputs in agriculture.

VIDAL, MC et al. Bioinputs: building a national program for the sustainability of Brazilian agriculture. EALR, 2021.

SAMBUICHI, RHR et al. Bioinput production in Brazil: challenges and potential. Regional, Urban and Environmental Bulletin, IPEA, 2024.

EMBRAPA CERRADOS. Economic aspects of soybean production using remineralizers and bioinputs in the Cerrado. Documents 410, 2024.

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