On-farm production of biological inputs to be regulated in Brazil

Brazilian agriculture has taken an important step towards sustainability and safety with the approval of Bill PL658/2021 in the Chamber of Deputies. 

This new legal framework for the bioinputs sector will regulate on-farm production with clear guidelines to ensure that farmers have access to quality, monitored, and safe products for consumers.

Auro Ruschel, Legal Director of ABINBIO (Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries), pointed out the advancements in Brazilian agriculture. According to him, while on-farm bioinput production is now permitted, it has been "properly regulated."

Ruschel clarified that the Agricultural Defense Agency, linked to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), will "regulate the need for a qualified technical professional, whether exclusive or not, for the production of bioinputs for personal use."

Additionally, the ABINBIO Legal Director emphasized that replicating commercial products will not be allowed, except for inoculants specifically marketed for this purpose. Products formulated for personal use will also not be authorized for commercial sale.

Finally, it was ensured that on-farm production must follow the good practice guidelines established by the Federal Agricultural Defense Agency. Ruschel explained that there are additional regulations, all to ensure that biological inputs are safe and of high quality.

The bill’s rapporteur, Deputy Sérgio Souza (MDB-PR), highlighted that the text ensures a reliable regulatory environment that will provide security for research, industry, producers, and users. "To attract greater investments in the development of technologies for bioinputs, which help protect crops, supply nutrients, or improve their utilization, among many other functions, it is essential to have an environment that operates within the legal framework," he explained.

Ruschel concluded by stating that the "Civil Framework for the Bioinputs Sector" has finally been established. "Everything is well-regulated, as outlined in the bill," he said.

In Brazil, the bioinput market has grown at an annual rate of 21% over the last three years, four times the global average. Sales of these products reached BRL5 billion in the 2023-2024 harvest.

After being approved by the Chamber of Deputies, PL658/2021 now returns to the Senate, where the bill originated. If approved, it could be signed into law by the end of 2024.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)