Use of glyphosate, caterpillar resistant biotechnology growing - Interview with Rodrigo Lorenzon, Spark Smarter Decisions

Date:07-17-2020

By Leonardo Gottems, Reporter for AgroPages

Consultancy Spark Smarter Decisions announced that the soybean seed market achieved revenues of R$11.2 billion in the 2019-20 season, a growth of 7.5% over the 2018-19 cycle when the sector recorded sales of R$10.4 billion. In this exclusive interview with AgroPages, economist Rodrigo Degelo Lorenzon (Spark Project Coordinator) revealed more information about the company’s research.

How was the market performance of seeds that utilize biotechnology in the 2019/20 harvest?

The performance of the transgenic seeds market was positive, both in terms of area and revenue. In addition to a 2% growth in cultivated soybean area, conventional seeds and Roundup Ready (resistant to glyphosate herbicide) were also replaced by Intacta RR2 Pro seeds, which are resistant to caterpillars.

 

What technologies were most sought after by Brazilian rural producers?

The most sought after varieties in the 2019/20 harvest were those utilizing Intacta technology. These varieties are already the most cultivated in some harvests, however, we observed a new increase in the use of this technology. In the 2018/19 harvest, 65% of soybean areas used this technology, while in the 2019/20 harvest, almost three quarters of the area (74%) were cultivated with Intacta seeds.

How do you assess the Brazilian market’s current demand for seeds that utilize biotechnology?

The search for excellence and productivity is a characteristic of Brazilian producers. Rural producers are always looking for the best technologies and tools to improve the daily work of their properties, whether in terms of seeds, machines or pesticides. As in any business, producers seek solutions that can increase their profitability. Therefore, they evaluate the best alternatives when planning the harvest.

 

What are your projections for the next harvests based on calculated numbers?

In the coming harvests, a new growth in cultivated area is expected, which will naturally increase the potential market for seeds. In addition, new biotechnologies will be launched, such as the Intacta 2 Xtend and Conkesta E3, which will bring new solutions for managing resistant weeds and caterpillars. If these technologies generate value for producers, we can expect an increase in their use in the coming seasons.