Pirated seeds cause losses of R$ 10 billion per year in Brazil.

The Brazilian seed market loses approximately R$ 10 billion annually due to the use of pirated seeds, according to an estimate presented during the XXIII Brazilian Seed Congress (CBSementes) in Foz do Iguaçu (PR). In addition to the economic impact on technology-developing companies and tax revenue, the problem also directly affects crop productivity.

The assessment was made by the president of the Brazilian Association of Seeds and Seedlings (Abrasem), Paulo Pinto (pictured), who highlighted the importance of raising awareness among producers about the use of legal and high-quality seeds. According to him, the seed is the basis for establishing a crop and can determine a large part of the production outcome.

"All the success of Brazilian agribusiness begins with the use of legal and good quality seeds," stated Paulo Pinto. According to him, pirated seeds can cause losses even during crop establishment, with emergence failures that can reach 10%, 15% or even 20%.

The scenario of lower commodity prices and reduced profitability for producers could worsen the problem. "In an attempt to reduce costs, producers end up, in some cases, saving money precisely on the purchase of seeds, opting for low-quality or illegal materials."

The state of Rio Grande do Sul is identified as facing one of the biggest problems related to the use of illegal seeds. According to the assessment presented, the use of pirated seeds in the state exceeds 40%. These difficulties have been exacerbated by climatic problems recorded in recent harvests, which have reduced producers' investment capacity and encouraged the practice of storing seeds for subsequent plantings.

In Paraná and Mato Grosso, on the other hand, the rate of use of certified seeds is considered high, although there are still cases of the use of illegal materials.

Abrasem differentiates between so-called pirated seed and saved seed. According to legislation, producers can, under certain conditions, reserve part of their own production to use as seed in the following harvest. "Pirated seed, on the other hand, is produced or marketed outside the law, without meeting the requirements established for the production and marketing of seeds."

In addition to productivity losses, the illegal market represents a significant economic impact. The estimate of R$ 10 billion per year considers resources that fail to reach companies responsible for developing technologies, as well as public coffers through taxes. The loss is even greater when considering the reduction in the productive potential of crops.

To address the problem, Abrasem has been working in partnership with companies and public agencies to expand oversight and provide information to producers. The organization also seeks to bring the Brazilian system closer to international standards related to seed production and movement.

Despite the difficulties caused by the economic scenario and production costs, the assessment is that Brazilian agribusiness will continue to have room to grow, driven by global demand for food. "For this to happen, however, it will be necessary to advance in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability," points out the president of Abrasem, reminding that seeds should not be seen as an item to reduce costs at any price, but as an investment that directly influences the potential of the crop.