TMG bets on corn and biotechnology to increase market share

Brazilian company Tropical Melhoramento e Genética (TMG) is planning to enter the corn market. It is expected to launch two hybrids in 2025 and increase supply to four to five launches per year from then on. These cultivars will be aimed at the second crop in the Cerrado and will also rely on technologies provided by other companies, such as Syngenta (Agrisure Viptera).

"Corn, in addition to feeding animals and generating energy, is very interesting in the production process. Speaking of future growth, I see it as having a very large potential for growth. Equal to or greater than soybeans," explained Francisco Soares, CEO of TMG during an event held for journalists at the company's headquarters in Cambé (PR).

But for now, it continues to focus on soybeans. This is its main focus for increasing its market share in the coming years. The company aims to consolidate its position in the sector through investments in research, development and technological innovation.

TMG has 14 research bases for genetic improvement, distributed across six states in the main Brazilian producing regions. There, it conducts field trials and experiments. In addition, it has expanded its investments in digital transformation.

TMG's business model involves the development of cultivars that will mostly be licensed to partner seed producers responsible for multiplication and commercialization. There are currently more than 100 seed producers involved in this process.

In terms of cotton, the company has a prominent position in the market and offers all available biotechnologies, which makes life easier for farmers. The focus is on further improving fiber quality and resistance to diseases, especially ramularia (caused by Ramularia areola). The company also expects to grow in this segment, which it dominates according to recently released research.

According to Soares, biotechnology is a pillar for TMG. Practically all of the company's launches involve biotechnologies to better capture value and increase productivity.

In the coming years, TMG is planning to launch technologies that promise greater resistance and adaptation to climate conditions. In addition, it is awaiting the release of new technologies that will provide stability and resistance to drought. The company works with international biotechnology suppliers, such as Bayer and Corteva, to ensure a constant pipeline of innovations.

The issue of saved seeds was addressed by Soares. In Argentina, the practice is common, resulting in low rates of seed purchase and, consequently, a lack of investment by companies in the sector. In Brazil, however, the climate and awareness among farmers favor the purchase of seeds, which encourages the industry to invest in the development of new technologies. Climatic conditions make seed storage more challenging, requiring greater care to ensure quality. This inhibits or limits seed saving.

TMG recently changed the nomenclature of its cultivars. It chose to replace the traditional numbers with names of Brazilian trees, with the aim of reinforcing its national identity and making it easier for farmers to recognize the varieties. The choice of tree names is in line with the image of Brazilianness and resilience that the company wants to convey, reinforcing its bond with Brazilian producers.