EN 
PT_BR 
The Brazilian soybean seed sector has begun to intensify its efforts toward technical organization and political coordination in the face of a scenario marked by legal uncertainty, economic pressure, and a growing need for standardization of production processes. Representatives of the sector believe that institutional and technical strengthening will be crucial to sustaining the competitiveness, innovation, and credibility of the segment in the coming years.
Among the ongoing initiatives is the creation of a national certification program for seed processing units, developed by the Brazilian Association of Soybean Seed Producers (ABRASS).
Photos: Jaelson Lucas/AEN Archive
The proposal emerges as an extension of the Seed Protocol launched by the entity in 2024 and seeks to validate the adoption of good practices in soybean seed production, respecting specific legislation and regional differences in the activity.
According to ABRASS's technical consultant, Pedro Tomazelli, the program focuses on strengthening the sector's structure. "ABRASS faces many direct and important challenges. But this program follows a different strategy: to gain associative strength, improve ourselves, and strengthen the sector even further," he stated.
Audits create a national benchmark.
Photo: Disclosure
To operationalize the certification system, ABRASS partnered with the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). The entities developed a methodology based on 153 requirements applied to Seed Processing Units (UBS). The model includes document analysis, interviews, and on-site audits in different seed-producing regions of the country.
According to the sector, the objective is to create a national benchmark of quality for processes related to seed multiplication.
The first test audit was conducted in February 2026, and the second phase took place in April, expanding the construction of a technical database on the operation of the units.
Political pressure targets crops and infrastructure.
Beyond the technical issues, agribusiness leaders also emphasized the need for regulatory and structural changes to support the growth of the Brazilian agricultural chain.
Photo: Disclosure/OPR Archive
The president of the Parliamentary Agricultural Front (FPA), federal deputy Pedro Lupion, stated that modernizing the Plant Variety Protection Law remains a priority for the sector. “We went to the USA, visited companies and industries to learn about other legislation, and we managed to draft an interesting law. We held dozens of meetings and rounds of discussions, but the text faced political resistance. We still need a lot of dialogue,” he emphasized.
Revising the legislation is considered strategic by companies and entities linked to genetic research and biotechnology, especially in light of the rise in seed piracy and discussions about intellectual property protection in agriculture.
Federal Deputy Sergio Souza also highlighted structural challenges that continue to limit the competitiveness of agribusiness. "We need rural insurance, better logistics, to think about new solutions, and to have space to dialogue with the government," he emphasized.
Emotional health enters the agenda of agriculture.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for discussions related to the corporate environment and emotional health within companies in the agricultural sector.
Actor and presenter Nelson Freitas gave a lecture on the role of humor in work relationships, leadership, and the emotional balance of teams.
This approach reinforced a growing movement within agribusiness to broaden discussions related to people management and the quality of the work environment in a sector historically focused solely on productivity and operational performance.
The discussions took place during the 4th edition of the National Meeting of Soybean Seed Producers (ENSSOJA), held in Foz do Iguaçu (PR).
