The production of conventional soybean has been decreasing in Brazil since the introduction of genetically modified seeds. Transgenic-free soybean, however, brings advantages to rural producers interested in niche markets and to remain free to choose which varieties and products to use in their crops. In a survey conducted by Instituto Soja Livre, Mato Grosso is the main producer of conventional soybean in the country, using 602.2 thousand hectares for these cultivars, which means 52.8% of the total area destined for these cultivars. Next comes Paraná, with 206.3 thousand hectares (17.8%), Goiás with 113.4 thousand hectares (9.6%) and Mato Grosso do Sul with 85.5 thousand hectares (7.3%). The states of Roraima, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul, Piauí, Federal District, São Paulo, Maranhão, Bahia, Santa Catarina and Pará represent 12.6% of the total area planted with conventional soybean. In the 2019/20 Brazilian harvest 1.5 million hectares of conventional soybean were planted with a production of 5.1 million tons. Mato Grosso occupied half of this area, producing 2 million tons of soybean without genetic modification. Instituto Soja Livre works with FoodChain ID, a company that makes international certifications for soybeans. The objective is that, in the medium term, Brazilian conventional soy can be certified and gain free access to European and also Chinese markets.
Source: Universo Agro / DATAGRO