Brazil joins the Budapest Treaty and strengthens bioinputs

Brazil has taken a strategic step toward the future of biotechnology and agribusiness. With the publication of Legislative Decree No. 174/25, the country formalized its accession to the Budapest Treaty, an international agreement that unifies procedures for depositing microorganisms for patenting purposes. This move is seen as a watershed moment for the production sector, especially for the bioinputs industry, a rapidly growing segment in the country.

For the Brazilian Association of Bioinput Industries (Abinbio), the measure not only means cost reduction and streamlining of processes, but also strengthens the scientific sovereignty and competitiveness of Brazilian companies. On the other hand, membership should reduce the cost of technologies and accelerate the arrival of bioinputs in the field.

"We are facing a regulatory framework that will have a direct impact on the business environment. Adherence represents fewer bureaucratic barriers, greater legal certainty to protect our innovations, and a more attractive scenario for investments in the bioinputs and biotechnology sector," he assesses. Mauro Heringer (in the photo), Director of International Relations at Abinbio.

What changes in practice

Until now, Brazilian companies and researchers were forced to rely on foreign institutions to register microorganisms required for biotechnology patent protection. This generated significant financial costs and bureaucratic processes that often hindered cutting-edge research.

By joining the Treaty, Brazil now has the possibility of accrediting national institutions as International Depositary Authorities (IDAs). Organizations such as Embrapa Cenargen and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) are among the natural candidates to host this strategic service.

"Today, many entrepreneurs in the bioinputs sector simply gave up on pursuing international patents due to the complexity and cost of doing so outside the country. With the Treaty, we will have operational efficiency, reduced foreign currency costs, and greater agility. This decisively changes our business environment," says Heringer.

Economic and agribusiness impact

The global bioinput market is one of the fastest-growing in the agricultural sector, with increasing demand for sustainable solutions that replace chemical pesticides or complement production processes. According to market analysts, Brazil is already emerging as one of the main frontiers for the development of bioinputs, both in agriculture and for medical and industrial applications.

By joining the Budapest Treaty, the country creates the conditions to accelerate this growth and position itself more competitively in the international market.

"Bioinputs play a central role in the transition to more sustainable and competitive agriculture. Adherence strengthens the sector at every stage—from research and innovation to product arrival on the market. This measure sends a clear message to investors: Brazil is safe for innovation," observes Heringer.

More innovation, fewer barriers

For Abinbio, the biggest benefit, besides cost reduction, is international integration. The Budapest Treaty model ensures that a single deposit is recognized in all signatory countries, eliminating duplication that previously drained time and resources.

"We're talking about something that goes far beyond our sector. It's a breakthrough that impacts everyone from startups to large multinationals based in Brazil. Participation creates a more robust innovative ecosystem, capable of accelerating the arrival of new bioinputs in the field and new technologies in industry," the director emphasizes.

Future scenario

Abinbio believes this measure could attract a growing cycle of investments and strategic partnerships. Multinationals may find a more competitive environment in Brazil, while domestic companies will be better equipped to transform scientific knowledge into high-value-added products.

"Brazil is now showing the world that it is prepared to compete in one of the most strategic sectors of the future: biotechnology. This will have a direct impact on the generation of skilled jobs, the trade balance, and national technological autonomy," concludes Heringer.

With average growth of over 20% in recent years, the bioinputs market already generates billions and is becoming a key component of the sustainable agribusiness agenda. This new addition reinforces the prospect that the Brazilian biotechnology sector is poised to be a key player not only in innovation but also in global competitiveness.