Brazil’s agricultural sector is being tested in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, evolving global commodity markets, and a presidential election that will shape agricultural policy in the country into the 2030s.
Brazil has become one of the world’s agricultural leaders in soybean, corn, and animal protein production. This year, Brazil is expected to break soybean production records yet again, producing 6.5 billion bushels of soybeans during the 2025-26 season, an increase of 4% from last year, according to Brazil’s National Supply Company (Conab).
To support that growth, Brazil expanded market access for its commodities, including through the EU-Mercosur deal, which went into provisional effect on May 1. Over the years, Brazil strengthened its relationships with China, which has become the number one destination for Brazilian soybeans.
Geopolitics is exposing a weakness in Brazilian agriculture. The U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial part of the fertilizer supply chain. Brazil imports approximately 85% of its fertilizer, and farmers are expected to reduce their applications this year, which would impact yields.
In Brazilian politics, the country is preparing to vote for its next president, with the 80-year-old current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva set to face Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of embattled former President Jair Bolsonaro. The presidential candidates are neck-and-neck in polls, with Silva receiving 47.8% of second-round votes, compared to 47.5% for his opponent, according to a AtlasIntel/Bloomberg survey.
Flávio Bolsonaro is running on streamlining Brazil’s agriculture plan (Plano Safro) and will make no new indigenous demarcations in the state of Mato Grosso, according to local reporting. In 2024, Lula committed to reaching zero deforestation in Brazil through investment in local municipalities.
These topics and more will be the focus of this year’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, June 23-24 at Hotel Unique in São Paulo, where ag stakeholders, government official, investors, and innovative Latin America start-ups will gather to discuss the future of Brazilian agriculture.
How Brazil is capitalizing on trade momentum, geopolitical shakiness
Expanding Brazil’s market access will be central to several panel discussions throughout the two-day program, including the opening panel on June 24, featuring representatives from Cargill, RUMO and ABIEC in a session moderated by AgTechNavigator’s Ryan Daily. The panel will discuss how the EU-Mercosur deal is opening up opportunities for Brazilian agriculture and how the country can tackle lingering infrastructure challenges.
Shortly after, Daily will host the first edition of AgTechNavigator’s State of the Industry session, which will chart the next five years of Brazilian agriculture, discussing how presidential politics and global news are impacting in Brazil.
Additionally, the fertilizer crisis will be the focus of a fireside chat with Lucas Costa Beber, VP of Aprosoja, on the first day of the event.
How Brazil is leaning into innovation
Brazil is leaning into technology advancements — whether it be AI, biologicals, livestock monitoring technologies, or machinery — to boost agricultural production while relying on fewer resources.
Biologicals are finding a home in Brazil, which has become a $1 billion market, with room to expand. A panel on June 23 will explore how South America has become a proving ground for biological innovation, featuring representatives from SP Ventures, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Aqua Capital, and Corteva Agriscience.
AI will be a key theme throughout the event in various panels and fireside chats, including:
- AI-Powered Agriculture: Taking GenAI from Pilot to Field to Maximize Productivity and Profitability: In a case study session on day one, Google, The Yield Lab Latam, and University of Campinas will share use cases for AI in Brazilian agriculture and the commercial models that work on small and large farms.
- AI‑Powered Agriculture: Leveraging AI Systems for Scientific R&D: Researchers are using AI to accelerate the development of new seeds, feed, and other agricultural products. This fireside chat on the second day of the event will include representatives from Lucai Bio and CTC.
- Next-Gen Livestock Systems: Achieving Productivity, Traceability and Profitability at Scale: On the first day of the event, a panel will discuss how AI is improving livestock monitoring, featuring Bela Vista Agro, Grupo Campanelli, and Danone representatives.
To learn more about this year’s World Agri-Tech São Paulo, visit the event website here and register here before prices increase on May 28. AgTechNavigator readers receive 10% off by using the promo code ATN10.
