Latin America’s Plant Health Momentum: Innovation, Adoption, and Opportunity
29 January 2026 As global agriculture searches for solutions that boost productivity while managing climate and input challenges, Latin America has emerged as a dynamic market for plant health products. From biologicals and biostimulants to biofertilizers and microbial seed treatments, adoption across the region is accelerating — driven by grower familiarity, regulatory clarity, and the need for resilient yield solutions.
These themes were front and center in a recent episode of the AgriBusiness Global Report, which featured Sarah Reiter, EVP at BioConsortia. During the conversation, Reiter shared insights into why Latin America continues to outpace other regions in plant health adoption and where the greatest opportunities lie in the years ahead.
A Strong Foundation for Plant Health Adoption
One of the strongest foundations for growth is already well established. “Nearly 90% of all soybeans today receive an inoculant,” Reiter said, noting that inoculation has long been considered standard practice across major soybean-producing countries. “Those inoculations work extremely well in soybeans, and that success has built confidence in other plant health technologies.”
That confidence is now translating into broader adoption beyond soybeans. While soybean inoculants remain a cornerstone, Reiter pointed to expanding interest in other broad-acre crops, including corn, sugarcane, and cotton. Fruits and vegetables are also seeing increased uptake, with plant health products gaining traction in bananas, tree fruit, and vines.
At BioConsortia, the company’s focus is firmly rooted in microbial technologies delivered as seed treatments. “We’re predominantly in the seed treatment business,” Reiter explained. “We work in soybeans, corn, cereal crops, sugarcane, potatoes — a number of major crops in the Latin American market.”
Across these crops, adoption is being driven by performance-based outcomes. “Where we really see adoption, both for our products and for competitor products, is in the yield-driving space,” she said. Biofertilizers and biostimulants are filling critical gaps for growers who may not be able to apply synthetic fertilizers at optimal times. These technologies are also helping producers manage increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.
“Offering climate stress relief is a major driver,” Reiter added. “Whether that stress is coming from too little water, too much water, water at the wrong time, or other climate stressors, these products can make a real difference.”
Geographically, Brazil and Argentina continue to lead the region, particularly in row crops. Through a partnership with The Mosaic Company, BioConsortia is introducing its biofertilizer technology in Brazil, initially targeting corn and soybeans. “Brazil will be our first Latin American market,” Reiter said, highlighting the country’s scale and openness to innovation.
Argentina also remains a key market, especially given its long-standing experience with inoculants. According to Reiter, this history has shaped grower attitudes across the region. “Latin American growers have been using inoculants for a very long time, and they have a high degree of acceptance,” she said. “That gives them confidence that other biological technologies are also going to work in their environment.”
Regulatory Clarity Fuels Market Momentum
Regulation is another critical factor shaping market momentum, particularly in Brazil. Reiter described Brazil’s evolving regulatory framework as a competitive advantage for plant health companies.
“Brazil has really clarified and simplified the regulatory pathway,” she said. “Having clarity about how to comply is a huge advantage.”
Clear distinctions between biocontrols, biofertilizers, and biostimulants have made it easier for companies to plan and invest. “It makes it easy for companies like ours to plan, execute a regulatory strategy, and really engage in the market,” Reiter said, contrasting Brazil’s approach with regulatory uncertainty in Europe and the U.S.
Looking ahead, growth opportunities extend beyond traditional row crops. Reiter pointed to fertilizer-dependent crops such as coffee and sugarcane, where access to synthetic inputs can be expensive or logistically challenging. “Those are crops where we see really interesting potential,” she said.
Partnerships Are Key to Market Success
For companies considering entry into Latin America, Reiter emphasized the importance of partnerships and local expertise. “It’s hard for us to imagine how we would execute in Latin America by ourselves,” she said, noting that BioConsortia is a relatively small, California-based company. “Partnering is key.”
Successful partnerships, she added, require transparency and a collaborative mindset. “You have to be set up for win-win,” Reiter said. “If you believe you can win alone from outside Latin America, you’ll probably walk away frustrated.”
As plant health technologies continue to gain momentum, Latin America stands out as a region where innovation, adoption, and regulatory progress are aligning. With growers increasingly open to biological solutions and governments providing clearer pathways, the region is poised to play a leading role in the future of sustainable crop production.
To learn more, watch the full interview with Sarah Reiter on the latest episode of the AgriBusiness Global Report and hear her insights directly on plant health trends shaping Latin America.
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