Gross Production Value (VBP) grows 147% in a decade

The best news from Brazilian agribusiness at the beginning of the year refers to its consolidated performance in 2020, when the country and the world faced the worst pandemic in its history. Agriculture has not stopped. On the contrary, it accelerated and put more food on the population's table. Never has Brazil produced so much.

The Gross Production Value (VBP) of 2020 was the highest in history: R$885,8 billion, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). In addition to being greater than the previous year's result, it grew by an absurd 15,1%, against a very good performance. Prices improved and exports exploded, surpassing US$100 billion, reports MAPA.

The other reading of this information points to the competence of Brazilian agribusiness, a sector driven by 5 million farmers and animal producers, thousands of input and processing industries, service companies, distribution, logistics and other areas, in addition to more than 18 million of workers.

The historical analysis of the VBP also proves the consistency of growth in Brazil's productive sector. Between 2011 and 2020, the Gross Production Value increased by 147%, with an average annual growth of 14,7%. The VBP jumped from R$358,6 billion to R$885,8 billion.

In the last decade, agriculture represented around 66,5% of VBP, rising from R$239,63 billion (2011) to R$589,1 billion: growth of 146%. And animal production, which was worth R$139,02 billion, in 2020 reached R$296,7 billion: an increase of 113,4%.

The pesticide industry is proud of these numbers. After all, it is the basis of agricultural production. Phytosanitary products are essential for increasing agricultural productivity, which, in fact, also grew 24% in the last decade, jumping from 3.148 kg/ha to 3.912 kg/ha. It is also important to highlight that the grain harvest increased by 72,7% in the last ten years, going from 149,3 million tons to 257,8 million tons.

It is important to note that the lack of pesticides could represent a drop of up to 40% in agricultural production. Thus, the contribution of the input industry to achieving current levels of production and productivity is indisputable.

In fact, it cannot be emphasized enough, Brazil is blessed with having up to three annual harvests of various crops, but the tropical climate (hot and humid) is perfect for the relentless action of pests, diseases and fungi, which are increasingly prevalent and resistant.

Another good news is that agribusiness expectations remain positive for 2021. MAPA reports that, for the first time, the VBP will exceed R$1 trillion. The field can count on the plant defense products industry to develop new and modern solutions to control and protect crops against relentless, invisible enemies.

By Eliane Kay, executive director of the National Union of Plant Defense Products Industries (Sindiveg)