Eloos: Dependence on fertilizer exposes vulnerability of Brazilian agriculture

Brazil's strong dependence on imported fertilizers was among the main topics discussed in the panel "From the countryside to geopolitics: agriculture at the center of global decisions", held during the Eloos event, this Monday (1st), promoted by Itatiaia in partnership with CNN Brasil, in Belo Horizonte.

During the panel, Adriana Maugeri, president of Amif (Forest Industry Association of Minas Gerais), warned about the vulnerability of Brazilian agribusiness in the face of international geopolitical tensions.

According to her, more than 80% of fertilizers used in Brazilian agribusiness come from abroad, making agricultural production dependent on strategic markets and subject to price fluctuations, conflicts and commercial restrictions.

Continue lendo

02/06/2026

US concludes investigation and proposes 25% tariff on Brazilian goods to punish 'unreasonable' practices

At the White House, Lula and Donald Trump discuss rare earths, organized crime and tradeJornal Nacional/ ReproductionT...

02/06/2026

US Trade Office proposes taxing Brazilian imports by 25%

The USTR (United States Trade Representative) proposed, in a document released late this Monday night (1), the imposit...

02/06/2026

F1 name and titanium body: how is the R$4 million Ferrari exchanged for a fake watch and bad checks

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fioranopublicity/FerrariA businessman from Santa Catarina exchanged a Ferrari SF90 Strad...

The executive highlighted that the issue goes beyond the availability of inputs and is directly linked to food security and Brazil's competitiveness as one of the largest food producers and exporters in the world.

For her, despite the advances promoted by the National Fertilizer Plan, the program alone will not be able to solve all the challenges faced by the sector.

Another point raised by Adriana was the high tax burden on the production chain, a factor that, according to her, makes investments difficult and reduces the competitiveness of national fertilizer production.

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 Soma Smashing Pumpkins

2 Moonlight Serenade Daydream Twins

3 Our Love Is Here To Stay Frank Sinatra

4 Darkest Days Suede

The president of Amif defended long-term, structuring policies to expand domestic production and reduce external dependence.

The topic was also addressed by the senator and presidential candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), who highlighted that reducing this dependence involves expanding national production and advancing projects that face regulatory and environmental obstacles.

According to the senator, there are areas with potential for the exploration of raw materials intended for the manufacture of fertilizers, but which face licensing processes considered complex and time-consuming.

He defended the modernization of procedures and the search for international partnerships for technology transfer, allowing increased production with less environmental impact.

Flávio Bolsonaro also highlighted that new sources of fertilizers and more sustainable technologies are now available on the market, which can contribute to reducing external dependence and increasing the security of supply for Brazilian agribusiness.

Forest Sector
In addition to fertilizers, participants discussed the challenges posed by environmental and traceability requirements of international markets.

Adriana Maugeri stated that the Brazilian forestry sector is often associated with deforestation, despite maintaining high levels of environmental preservation.

According to her, it is necessary for traceability rules to recognize the characteristics of national production and value the good practices already adopted by Brazilian producers.

The executive also highlighted that Brazil has important competitive advantages, such as the high productivity of eucalyptus, which surpasses that of several competing countries.

According to her, the current geopolitical scenario opens up opportunities for long-term agreements, technology transfer and added value to national production, reducing dependence on commodity exports.

Adriana also highlighted that the forestry production chain brings together small producers and large companies, generating employment, income and economic development in different regions of the country.

The Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais, Thales Almeida, highlighted the economic importance of forestry activity for the state.

According to him, the forestry sector currently represents the largest agricultural culture in Minas Gerais and has been expanding its relevance in foreign trade.

The secretary highlighted that, for the second year in a row, exports from the Minas Gerais forestry chain surpass those from mining, highlighting the strength of a sector that combines income generation, sustainability and international protagonism.

The state leads the national ranking of planted forests, with around 2.3 million hectares, equivalent to 24% of the entire Brazilian forest base. The area is almost double that recorded in São Paulo, second in the national ranking, with approximately 1.2 million hectares.

The president of Amif also highlighted that the world is turning its eyes to Brazilian forestry production, not only because of the competitiveness of cellulose, but also because of the sector's potential.

"Agriculture needs to be defined as a food and energy security issue", he stated. According to her, biomass from renewable forests puts Brazil in a privileged position in the face of global demand for more sustainable energy sources.

Safety in the field
Another topic discussed during the panel was the need to strengthen protection mechanisms for rural producers. Federal deputy Domingos Sávio (PL-MG) defended the expansion of rural insurance as a tool to increase security in the countryside.

According to him, the predictability provided by insurance is fundamental at a time of high costs, high interest rates and greater exposure to climate and market risks.

Geopolitical instability has increased the relevance of the forestry sector within global discussions on food security, energy security and sustainable development.

Why is the dollar important for Brazilian agriculture?

Source: CNN