Adjuvant market is growing, but there is still much potential: DVA Agro

The adoption of adjuvants by producers in Brazil and other countries has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to agronomist Daniel Petreli, Technical and Marketing Coordinator for Latin America at DVA Agro, this growth is due to several factors, which include the need for efficient agricultural practices, greater crop protection, and the rise of precision agriculture. ″Therefore, we can say that the market for these types of solutions has considerable potential,″ Petreli said.

Producers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of adjuvants in reducing spray drift, which is currently a challenge for the sector and professionals, he added, stating, ″The emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices also plays a relevant role, in line with trends in other countries. That being said, the use of these technologies is expected to continue rising as the farming class seeks to optimize their operations and phytosanitary management.″

Petreli outlined some general trends and factors that could influence this scenario:

1. Increased Awareness: Farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of these products in terms of improving the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals.

2. Agricultural Industry Growth: Brazil has a significant and expanding agricultural industry, focusing on crops such as soybeans, sugarcane, corn, cotton, and coffee. As the sector advances, farmers adopt new technologies and management practices, including the use of adjuvants.

3. Industry Education and Extension Services: Educational programs and extension services provided by agricultural agencies, universities, and companies play a crucial role in promoting the benefits of adjuvants. Farmers who are aware of the advantages of these products may be more willing to use them.

4. Proven Effectiveness: As more research and field trials demonstrate the positive effects of adjuvants on crop yield and pest control, farmers are more likely to adopt these products.

5. Economic Considerations: Economic factors, such as the cost-effectiveness of using adjuvants in terms of increased yields and the application efficiency of plant protection products.

6. Environmental Concerns: Growing awareness of environmental sustainability and the impact of traditional pesticide use encouraged the search for alternative methods, and adjuvants can be part of an integrated pest management approach.

According to Petreli, the introduction and development of technologies in Brazil that align with the demand for improved agricultural varieties also influence the adjuvant market. ″I must also point out the greater emphasis on crop yields, mainly due to the need for food. Advances in the development of new adjuvants with better formulations and characteristics focus on the problems that producers face in crop management, and contribute to the democratization of these technologies,″ he said.

If farmers observe a positive return on investment through increased yields, this will also certainly affect their decision to adopt adjuvants, he added. ″It is important to remember the challenges generated by changes in patterns and the growing prevalence of extreme weather conditions. These solutions can help address specific scenarios, such as improving spray coverage in adverse weather conditions,″ he explained.

″For the coming years, there is much to expect. The first trend is for more specialized formulations for specific types of pesticide applications, such as foliar sprays, seed treatments, or soil applications. The focus on sustainability is expected to increase, and researchers are exploring sustainable green adjuvants,″ he further said.

″In this context, there is also a need for enhanced compatibility with biological products, especially with the expansion of this market. More and more adjuvants formulated to support the effectiveness of biological pest control methods are likely to be developed,″ he further adds.

Other trends

According to Petreli, environmentally friendly formulations that minimize drift, volatilization, and runoff, in line with global efforts towards sustainable agriculture, are also expected to grow. ″In this regard, there may be a shift towards the development of biodegradable adjuvants, helping reduce the presence of residue in the environment and potential long-term effects,″ he says.

He also pointed out that advances in technology, such as unmanned aerial agricultural vehicles (UAVs) and new application techniques like drones, are influencing the development of adjuvants. ″The integration of technology into these methods is improving operation characteristics and efficiency. In this sense, there is also integration with precision agriculture technologies. Adjuvants can complement these methods,″ he said.

The adoption by producers of data analysis and machine learning in agriculture will also be relevant going forward, he added. ″This could lead to the development of products based on the analysis of data. For example, decision support tools may recommend specific adjuvants based on historical data, current conditions, and pest dynamics,″ he stressed. 

″Last but not least, we will also see the evolution of the international regulation of adjuvant administration. Remember, formulations that meet regulatory safety and environmental impact requirements are more likely to be preferred in the market,″ Petreli said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)