The new Profert Program takes effect, aiming to strengthen Brazil’s domestic fertilizer industry and enhance food security through mandatory blending targets and financial incentives.
The landscape of Brazilian Agriculture has just undergone a significant strategic shift. With the enactment of the Fertilizer Industry Development Program (Profert), the federal government seeks to break the cycle of high external dependence that characterizes the sector.
The initiative aims to foster domestic production of agricultural inputs, establishing clear guidelines for strengthening this production chain, which is essential for the country’s economy.
Currently, Brazil imports over 80% of the fertilizers used in its crops, a situation considered risky for national sovereignty. As highlighted by the project’s author, Senator Laércio Oliveira:
The measure is crucial to shield the domestic market from the instability of global geopolitical conflicts.
The proposal’s rapporteur, Senator Tereza Cristina, reinforced this point by arguing that excessive dependence on other countries jeopardizes the stability of national agricultural supply.
Domestic Blending Schedule and Targets
The core of the program establishes the mandatory incorporation of domestic fertilizers—whether synthetic or mineral—into products distributed in Brazil. The schedule set by the legislation dictates that, starting July 1, 2027, a minimum volume percentage of 2% will be required.
This indicator is set to gradually increase until it reaches 10% on January 1, 2037, under the continuous monitoring of the National Council for Fertilizers and Plant Nutrition (Confert).
External dependence represents a matter of national security and food security, especially in light of international tensions such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Financial Support and Sustainability Criteria
To enable industrial expansion, the BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and other accredited financial institutions will offer credit lines for industrial plants, research, innovation, and logistics.
However, access to these resources is contingent upon rigorous corporate responsibility criteria. Interested companies must demonstrate environmental sustainability practices, including energy efficiency strategies and greenhouse gas emission compensation.
Innovation in Inputs and Alternatives to NPK
The Profert program is not limited to traditional NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). It opens avenues for promoting more sustainable technologies, such as remineralizers—derived from ground rocks—and bio-inputs.
The latter, which utilize living microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to optimize soil fertility, represent a market trend focused on low-carbon agriculture with greater biological efficiency.
Although the government vetoed a specific section on the definition of domestic fertilizers to avoid logistical impasses with imported products, the program’s projected impact is long-term. The expectation is that by encouraging local technology and the use of regional resources, Brazil will drastically reduce its vulnerability, promoting more autonomous and resilient growth for agribusiness in the coming decades.
