Brazil Seed Multipliers Drive Soy Boom

What role do seed multipliers play in Brazil's agriculture?

Seed multipliers have become a strategic link in Brazil's agricultural chain, sitting between biotechnology companies and farmers. They license genetics developed by the industry, multiply cultivars on a commercial scale, carry out quality control, and distribute certified seeds to producers across the country.

How big is the sector?

According to consultancy Céleres, Brazil has around 260 seed multipliers, including private companies, cooperatives, and genetics firms that also produce some of their own cultivars. The sector's growth has tracked the expansion of soy cultivation and biotechnology adoption in the country.

What does the certified soy seed market look like?

The share of soy production using certified seeds has risen from 30% to 44% since the early 2000s. Brazil cultivates 48.6 million hectares of soy and leads global exports. In 2026, shipments are expected to reach a record 113.6 million tonnes, according to Abiove. The certified soy seed market is forecast to move R$ 24.7 billion in the 2026/2027 crop season, Céleres estimates.

What productivity gains do certified seeds deliver?

Carlos Hentschke, president of Syngenta Seeds Brasil, says genetic improvement has raised average soy productivity by around 2% per year over the last three decades. Certified seeds provide an average gain of four bags per hectare — roughly 7% above crops grown with conventional material.

How do multipliers add value beyond sales?

Manoela Bertagnolli, director of Sementes Butiá in Passo Fundo (RS), highlights that each cultivar requires specific management that can take years to develop. Through technical assistance and training, multipliers help farmers extract the full productivity potential of each variety. Christian Pflug of Corteva Agriscience emphasises regional adaptation: multipliers ensure each seed reaches the environment it was developed for, with scale and reach across diverse growing regions.

Which crops benefit from biotechnology beyond soy?

While soy concentrates most investment, biotechnology is also advancing in maize, wheat, beans, sorghum, and forage crops. Each year, biotech companies launch an average of ten new soy genetic bases, giving rise to approximately 450 certified seeds adapted to different producing regions.