Chinese demand drives Bayer's innovation in Brazilian agribusiness

Brazil and China are stepping up their strategic partnership to address the challenge of sustainably feeding growing populations. Representatives from both countries reinforced the role of Brazilian agribusiness as an essential supplier for China’s food security.

The main destination for Brazilian agricultural exports, China imported around US$ 2,59 trillion in 2024. soybean tops the list, representing more than 60% of Chinese imports in the sector. Corn and beef are also part of this expanding trade flow. Projections indicate that, by 2030, the Chinese population will exceed 1,4 billion people, further increasing external demand for food.

According to Francila Calica, Bayer's leader of institutional relations, science and sustainability for Latin America, Chinese demand has driven the transformation of the Brazilian countryside. The executive advocates the intensive use of biotechnology and modern agricultural practices to ensure sustainability and productivity. She highlights Brazil's ability to harvest up to three crops per year in the same area, even under strong pressure from tropical pests and diseases.

Bayer is leading this movement with global investments of over €2,6 billion in research and development in 2024. The innovations cover seeds, biotechnologies, crop protection and digital solutions, many with direct application in Brazilian agriculture.

Among the most recent advances are the new generations of the Intacta platform, aimed at soybean crops. The technologies increase protection against caterpillars and make weed management more flexible. The third generation is ready for launch. The fourth generation is still being tested at the company's experimental stations in Brazil.

For corn, the company highlights the evolution of the platform VTPRO4, launched in 2021, which offers expanded protection against aerial and subterranean pests. The fifth generation, currently under development, will add new modes of action against the fall armyworm, a pest capable of compromising up to 60% of production.

Bayer also invests in the platform Preceon Smart Corn System, with smaller corn hybrids. The proposal seeks to reduce the risk of lodging and facilitate management. The system will be integrated with planting and input use recommendations, aiming to increase productivity.

No cotton, Brazil reached the top of the world export ranking. The company launched the platform Bollgard 3 XtendFlex, with tolerance to dicamba and glufosinate ammonium, and is already developing its next generation.

According to the consultancy firm Agroconsult, the adoption of biotechnology resulted in an increase of 21,2 million tons in Brazilian grain production over the last decade. In addition, it generated R$295,7 billion in economic value and significant reductions in the use of water, pesticides and carbon emissions.

Geraldo Berger, vice president of regulatory affairs for Bayer in Latin America, points to the tropical environment as an additional challenge. More pest and disease cycles require effective solutions and adequate management. He advocates agile and aligned regulatory systems between Brazil and China to accelerate the release of new technologies.

Today, the release of biotechnology events in Brazil depends on the approval of importing countries, mainly China, which takes on average five years after Brazilian approval. This delays farmers' access to innovations such as new soybean biotechnologies. MON 94637 (SIP3) e MON 94313 (HT4), and the corn MON 95379 (LEP4).

Berger advocates technical cooperation and dialogue between regulatory authorities and scientists from both countries. The goal: to synchronize approvals and ensure that Brazilian farmers receive cutting-edge technologies at the right time, strengthening global food security.