Valeouro Biotec, part of Brazil's Ourofino group, has partnered with Santa Catarina startup Symbiomics to co-develop biological crop inputs based on genome editing and microbial reprogramming, starting with a biofungicide for soybeans, corn, cotton and sugarcane, Brazil's four most valuable row crops.

The partnership pairs Symbiomics' genomic sequencing and machine-learning platform, built on more than 20,000 Brazilian microbial isolates, with Valeouro's industrial manufacturing. Rather than screening natural microbes, the companies will genetically enhance specific traits in the microorganisms themselves. Valeouro is investing more than 100 million reais in a new biofactory expected to start operating around 2029, and first products are projected to reach the market within the next decade.

Brazil's biologicals market was estimated at about 6.2 billion reais in 2025 and is among the fastest-growing segments of its crop protection market. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Photo: SentinelHub / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Source: Global Agriculture