Consortium with the Netherlands could boost bioinputs in Brazil

Embrapa Meio Ambiente, in Jaguariúna (SP), will hold the Symposium "Bioinputs: Building the Netherlands-Brazil consortium for innovation" on October 10, from 8:45 am to 12 pm, coordinated by researcher Wagner Bettiol and analyst Gabriel Mascarin, both from Embrapa Meio Ambiente, and by professor Flavio Medeiros from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA).

The event is being held in partnership with UFLA and Wageningen University, through Wageningen Plant Research. The initiative is part of a year-long project that seeks to map areas of cooperation, bring together strategic partners, and structure the formation of a consortium focused on developing joint proposals for larger projects in the bioinputs sector in the coming years.

Given the advancement of bioinputs in Brazil and the strengthening of scientific cooperation between the country and Europe, Wageningen University is coordinating the creation of a research network focused on developing macro and microbiological solutions applied to biocontrol and biostimulants in agricultural systems. The symposium will offer 200 free places to participants.

The program will begin with an opening address by Robson Barizon, deputy head of R&D at Embrapa Environment. From 9:30 to 9:45 a.m., Flavio de Medeiros (UFLA) will discuss the topic "Biocontrol or biostimulant? Does it make sense to disregard the potential of a microbial biostimulant?" Immediately afterward, Gabriel Mascarin will present advances in the production of biocontrol agents. The morning will continue with an interactive coffee break to encourage participants to share experiences.

Next, Rodrigo Mendes of Embrapa Environment will highlight the application of the microbiome in controlling phytosanitary problems; Emanuele Diniz of Vigna will address the registration process for biocontrol agents in Brazil. The agenda also includes a lecture by José Eduardo Marcondes (Biological Institute), who will address the importance of reference specifications for advancing biological control in the country; and a lecture by Marcos Faria of Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, who will discuss Brazilian legislation related to bioinputs.

After the lectures, there will be a session coordinated by Wagner Bettiol, where everyone will be able to participate in discussions about what is expected for the future of bioinputs in Brazil.

According to Flávio Medeiros of UFLA, there is currently more than one regulatory pathway for registering a bioinput, whether as an inoculant or a biodefensive. "However," he believes, "it's common to find microorganisms that provide more than one benefit to the plant; they can act in both roles, for example, promoting plant rooting but also controlling diseases. In other words, the company must choose one of the registration pathways to commercialize its product, and regardless of the route chosen, it won't fully capture the benefits of adopting the technology, a concept I present as a regulatory trap," he assesses.

"At the event, we will present several scenarios in which regulatory imposition can limit the benefits of a microbial bioinput and the implications of this regulatory trap for plant development and production costs," he highlights.

According to Bettiol, for Brazil to remain a leader in the production and consumption of bioagents, there is a need for a large investment in research and training. This project is a great opportunity to improve both our research and training in bioinputs in Brazil, as it has the potential to bring together strategic partners from different parts of the world.