Regulatory system in Europe much worse than Brazil, says AgBiTech

 

The regulatory system for agrochemicals in Europe is much worse than in Brazil, says Anthony Hawes, Chief Technology Officer and founder of AgBiTech. The company, of Australian origin, recently began operating in Brazil, and spoke exclusively to AgroPages during the Brazilian Congress of Entomology, held last month in Gramado (RS).

 

"Everyone sees Brazil as a difficult country in regulatory matters, and I certainly realize that too. On the other hand, the way that regulatory agencies in Brazil look at biologicals is very positive. So, in general, for us, as a company, we find the regulatory process in Brazil very transparent, very efficient. We have had our documents approved in record time," Hawes said.

 

Hawes described the Brazilian registration process as "very good". "It is a little more complicated, it has some extra elements, but we do not have a problem that our product is regulated, and we do not want to skip any requirements. It is important that a company that comes to the market has high quality. It's the same standard for everyone. In Europe it is terrible, it is much worse than Brazil in regulatory matters, do not doubt it. I believe our experience has been, in most cases, very positive," added Hawes.

 

In Brazil, Hawes said that AgBiTech will focus on a single technology: Baculovirus. "They are very specific in the way of manufacturing, recommendation and what they control - they actually eliminate caterpillars. I believe our focus has put us in a good place. We truly are the leaders in manufacturing these products, and are efficient at producing them on a large scale."

 

"We are developing new products, new viruses, all already registered in Brazil. And we will make new products with mixtures. This will bring selective control, but targeting multiple caterpillars. This is really revolutionary, in terms of biological control. And we will continue working on it. There is a great opportunity for other viruses and products that are very complementary. We have just arrived in Brazil, and we will contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural system and the biological products will be part of this. We will be part of the history of biologicals. This is how I see the future for Brazil," noted Hawes.