Anpii Bio advocates regulatory framework that promotes innovation in the bioinputs industry

Brazil is facing a decisive moment for the future of sustainable agriculture, with the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate discussing two bills that aim to regulate the production and use of bioinputs in the country. Bill 658/2021, which is being processed in the Chamber of Deputies, and Bill 3668/2021, approved in the Senate and under analysis in the Chamber, seek to bring specific legislation to a sector that has grown rapidly, driven by the demand for more sustainable, profitable and efficient agricultural technologies. However, despite this growth, the bioinputs market still lacks its own regulation, which creates challenges for producers and the industry.

With this in mind, Anpii Bio (National Association for the Promotion and Innovation of the Biological Industry) declared its support for the creation of a regulatory framework that balances the interests of the industry and rural producers. “We believe that specific regulation for bioinputs is essential to guarantee the safety, quality and sustainability of these products in the field. A balanced regulatory framework can foster innovation and stimulate the growth of the sector,” it states. Julia Emanuela de Souza (pictured), Director of Institutional Relations at Anpii Bio.

Currently, bioinputs are subject to the same regulations that regulate pesticides and fertilizers, a model that, according to the entity, is inadequate to deal with the particularities of biological inputs. "The current legislation was not designed for bioinputs, which generates a series of inconsistencies, not favoring innovation and development in the sector", explains Júlia. Anpii Bio argues that a specific regulatory framework would be necessary to correct these flaws, allowing for more adequate control over the production and use of bioinputs.

Discussions and bills 

Anpii Bio has actively participated in discussions surrounding the bills and has identified advances and challenges in each of them. In the case of Bill 658/2021, which focuses on on-farm production – that is, bioinputs produced directly on rural properties – the entity is concerned about the lack of stricter requirements to ensure the safety and quality of these products and of the workers in the fields. "On-farm production has been gaining ground in the country, but it requires strict production quality control, which prevents contamination of this production by human or phytopathogens, following quality control parameters, such as the requirement for a technical manager and the use of strains acquired from reliable germplasm banks. With this, we guarantee the safety of the environment, the health of consumers and of those who handle these products in the field", warns Júlia.

Just as in commercial factories, where quality control is key to producing efficient and safe bio-inputs, the entity argues that on-farm production also needs to adopt strict standards. “In industries, quality control processes ensure that bio-inputs meet performance, safety and compliance standards, from the raw material to the finished product. Likewise, it is essential that production on rural properties follows strict parameters to avoid any type of contamination and ensure the effectiveness of bio-inputs,” it continues. 

Anpii Bio also highlights the importance of considering the specific realities of different forms of farming. "We argue that family farming, as well as traditional communities and organic farming, deserve differentiated treatment that is more consistent with their realities. These forms of farming work with biodiversity and preserve ancestral practices. It is essential that public policies and regulations recognize their specificities, offering adequate support", reinforces Júlia.

Commercial and on-farm bioinputs

The entity also takes a position on Bill 3668/2021, which presents a broader approach and includes initiatives to stimulate the sector, in addition to measures such as quality control and good production practices for both commercial and on-farm bioinputs. "Considering that many bioinputs have multiple functions, acting in pest control, soil fertility and improving soil and crop quality, a clearer classification becomes essential", points out Júlia.

For the association, the legislation should include a unified registration for multifunctional products, simplifying the regulatory process and encouraging innovation in the sector. "In the case of microorganisms, we have no control over their specific functions, so they can play several positive roles in the field, bringing invaluable benefits to the development of crops. The creation of a single registration for products with multiple functions not only drives technological innovation in industries, but also optimizes the use of these products in the field, providing more complete information to rural producers," it highlights. 

Anpii Bio believes it is crucial that products with greater potential for impact are subjected to more careful analysis by competent agencies such as Anvisa and Ibama. "Although most bioinputs do not pose risks to human health or the environment, some categories require a more in-depth assessment to ensure that recommendations for use are appropriate, as well as safety for producers and end consumers," explains Júlia. For Anpii Bio, collaboration between different government agencies enriches the evaluation process, ensuring that all aspects of safety and efficacy are considered, promoting a more robust and coherent regulatory environment. "However, a clear provision is needed for exemption from Anvisa and Ibama's participation in the registration of products that do not present significant risks, as is the case with inoculants," she points out. 

In this context, Anpii Bio has maintained a constant dialogue with industry representatives, rural producers and the government, holding regular meetings to seek consensus on the legislation. “We know that there are divergent interests, but we believe that dialogue is essential to find a path that benefits the entire production chain. Our mission is to ensure that the industry continues to produce bioinputs that contribute safely and efficiently to the sustainability of Brazilian agriculture. The approval of the Bioinputs Law will consolidate Brazil as one of the world leaders in the use and development of bioinputs,” concludes Júlia Emanuela de Souza, Director of Institutional Relations at Anpii Bio.