by Leonardo Gottems

The Brazilian market for specialty fertilizers is projected to return to double-digit growth in 2025, according to the Brazilian Association of Plant Nutrition Technology Industries (Abisolo).

Clorialdo Roberto Levrero, Chairman of the Deliberative Council of the association, attributes this expected rebound primarily to the increased adoption of these technologies by Brazilian producers, who are becoming more “technified,” meaning they are increasingly accepting and investing in new and improved technologies.

Another factor contributing to the optimism is the renewed intention to invest in inputs and technologies to boost the production of Brazil’s major economically significant crops: namely, soybeans, corn, coffee, and sugarcane. These crops have improved their prospects for good returns due to stabilizing commodity prices, which seem to have returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

“We can say that the specialty fertilizer sector still has great potential for adoption expansion, whether due to the inclusion of new product positioning. This occurs both through the increased adoption of more technologically advanced products, as opposed to more ‘commoditized’ products, in crops that already have significant adoption levels, such as soybeans, and in those that are expanding adoption—corn, and sugarcane, for example,” says Clorialdo Roberto Levrero.

According to him, the Brazilian specialty fertilizer market showed more moderate growth last year. The data is still being consolidated for publication in Abisolo’s annual report, which will be released in April 2025. In 2023, specialty fertilizers represented a market of BRL 22.64 billion (approximately USD 3.83 billion), a 2% increase over the previous year.

“The expectation for 2024 is for more significant growth in the segments of foliar application fertilizers and special mineral fertilizers, and small growth or even reduction in the segments of organic-based fertilizers—organic and organo-mineral, due to the significant reduction in selling prices. However, we do not expect a reduction in the volume sold,” the chairman emphasizes.

Compared to the traditional fertilizer market, however, specialty inputs continue to grow above average. Clorialdo Roberto Levrero explains that conventional fertilizers have shown some growth over the past few years, driven by increased planted area and a slight expansion in adoption. The specialty fertilizer segment, on the other hand, grows due to the technological evolution of products, which improves performance and production sustainability. In his view, farmers’ understanding of the importance of knowing aspects related to plant physiology has also influenced the change in plant nutrition strategy.

The Chairman of Abisolo’s Deliberative Council also points to the approval of Brazil’s New Bio-inputs Law at the end of 2024 as a potential driver for the growth of biologically derived fertilizers. However, he notes that further progress is needed in regulating this law, which has just begun to be discussed. According to him, this factor will be “decisive for accelerating the adoption of these technologies, as it will define standards, guidelines, and incentives that can increase investments and innovations in the market.”

Abisolo is an association founded in October 2003, bringing together manufacturers and importers of mineral, organomineral, organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, organic-based soil conditioners, plant substrates, biological-based inputs, and adjuvants. With over 140 member companies, the entity discusses sector-related issues with government agencies, research institutions, and other representative entities from different sectors.

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