Brazilian agribusiness is preparing for a year of major transformations in 2026. While the last few years have been about experimenting with new tools that digitize the field, the next cycle of agribusiness trends will be one of consolidation and strategic intelligence, with technology as an essential component of business planning. Challenges such as tax reform and the urgency of the sustainability agenda, coupled with the continuous need for greater efficiency, place technology at the heart of decision-making.
We know that connectivity in the field is still a challenge in many rural areas, but cloud computing, that is, the migration of systems to the cloud, has been a smart solution. Cloud applications allow agricultural operation data to be collected offline, directly from machines and sensors, and synchronized as soon as an internet connection is available.
This not only solves the connectivity bottleneck but also ensures data security and availability, making the cloud a fundamental requirement for expanding the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture, which is no longer a promise but a reality that generates value. Producers are already using predictive AI to optimize the use of inputs, predict harvests, and monitor crop health in real time. What we will see in 2026 is the consolidation of these practices.
The next phase of this evolution is AI Agents, which are distinguished by being autonomous or semi-autonomous systems that analyze data, perform tasks, and offer insights to accelerate daily operations. Imagine an agent that analyzes harvest reports, cross-references them with market data, and suggests the best time to sell; or another that monitors fleet operations and autonomously schedules predictive maintenance. This is the next frontier of efficiency, freeing managers to focus on what really matters: business strategy.
Speaking of strategy, one issue that will certainly impact the planning of all companies in 2026 is undoubtedly the beginning of the tax reform transition. And agribusiness, as one of the main sectors of the Brazilian economy, needs to be prepared for the impacts. The unification of taxes (IBS and CBS) will require a massive adaptation of management systems. The issuance of invoices, the collection of taxes and, especially, the management of tax credits in the supply chain will become more complex.
Therefore, it is essential that companies in the sector have a robust and fully prepared back-office management system. Attention to other links in the chain, such as suppliers, will be crucial because the ability to take advantage of a tax credit will depend on the correct collection of taxes in the previous stage. Those who do not prepare their ERP and processes now will risk losing competitiveness and having tax problems in the future.
Finally, the sustainability agenda is an irreversible path that must always be on the sector's agenda. Pressure from consumers and the global market is only increasing, and technology is the producer's main ally. Traceability solutions that monitor the product from planting to shelf, and tools that help in water resource management and carbon footprint measurement will be increasingly in demand.
In this context, the bioenergy sector is expected to gain even more strength. By 2026, we should see an increase in ethanol production from grains such as corn or soybeans. With incentives from public institutions like BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and the construction of new plants, Brazil is diversifying its energy matrix and adding value to grain production. The technology for this production is already mature and available. Expert systems allow for the management of the entire cycle, from grain reception to industrial control and ethanol marketing, ensuring traceability and efficiency in a rapidly expanding market.
In short, the coming year will require a more connected, strategic, and, above all, digital rural producer. Agribusiness trends show that technology is no longer an option, but the primary path for those who wish to navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of an increasingly competitive and sustainable agribusiness sector.
By Fabricio Orrigo, Director of Agricultural Products at TOTVS
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