SÃO PAULO, Brazil — 2025 was a landmark year for South American agriculture, setting the stage for a transformational 2026. Brazil alone recorded $169.2bn in agricultural exports, a 3% year-on-year increase, reinforcing the region’s growing influence on global food systems. At the same time, the landmark EU–Mercosur trade agreement, 25 years in the making, is creating a free trade zone of more than 700 million people, representing nearly 20% of global GDP.

Together, these developments position South America as a global hub for traceability, sustainability and supply chain innovation, particularly as European climate policies accelerate demand for deforestation-free, transparent commodity sourcing.

Global volatility strengthens South America’s strategic role

Against a backdrop of shifting tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, South America is doubling down on innovation to maintain competitiveness and expand market access. Regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are accelerating investment in traceability and sustainable production systems, areas where the region already demonstrates strong capabilities through integrated supply chains and high productivity from multiple annual harvests.

With global food demand rising, South America is moving beyond its traditional role as a commodity exporter to become a driver of resilient, climate-aligned food production.

Innovation investment accelerates growth

South America is increasingly becoming a centre of excellence for biological inputs, regenerative agriculture, AI and robotics, supported by strong public and private investment. Brazil continues to attract international capital, with FDI inflows reaching $77.7bn in 2025, alongside major initiatives such as the New Industry Brazil (NIB) programme and the Brazil Climate Investment Platform (BIP).

Biologicals are a particular strength, with Brazil widely recognised as a global proving ground for scalable alternatives to chemical crop inputs. The country’s biologicals market reached $914m in 2025 and is projected to grow steadily through 2034, driven largely by adoption across soy and corn production.

Institutions such as Embrapa, one of the world’s leading agricultural R&D organisations, continue to support innovation through programmes focused on low-carbon agriculture, digital farming and regenerative practices.

Where the agri-food value chain connects

Against this backdrop, World Agri-Tech South America Summit returns to São Paulo on 23–24 June 2026, bringing together 600 global leaders across the agri-food value chain. Now in its seventh year, the summit focuses on scaling sustainable agriculture, accelerating agtech adoption and unlocking investment opportunities across the region.

Senior decision-makers from CPGs, producers, agribusinesses, technology providers, investors and policymakers will come together to explore key themes including:

• Scaling biological crop protection and regenerative agriculture
• AI-driven efficiency and robotics adoption
• Traceability and compliance in global commodity markets
• Next-generation livestock systems and emissions reduction
• Investment trends shaping Latin America’s agtech ecosystem

The programme features keynote insights from Silvia Massruhá, President of Embrapa, alongside leading agribusiness executives, innovators and investors. Delegates will benefit from panel discussions, start-up showcases, curated networking sessions and 1:1 meetings designed to catalyse partnerships and accelerate innovation.

A defining moment for South American agriculture

As climate pressures, supply chain complexity and global demand reshape agriculture, collaboration across the ecosystem has never been more important. South America is uniquely positioned to deliver competitive, sustainable and traceable commodities to global markets and 2026 will be a defining year for the region’s leadership in ag innovation.

World Agri-Tech South America Summit is the key meeting point for stakeholders shaping the future of agriculture in the region.

Registration: Super Early Bird rates are available until 30 April 2026. To register or learn more, visit www.worldagritechsouthamerica.com.