The Agribusiness Newsletter brings information and news about the main regulations and legal texts relating to the regulation of agribusiness in Brazil. This initiative seeks to cover the agribusiness industry on its transactional, litigation, tax and regulatory levels, and is an invitation for all of those working in this market to both access important news and comments on vital topics from the sector.

This material is for informative purposes only, and should not be used for decision-making. Specific legal advice can be provided by our legal team.

NEWS

CVM authorizes listed funds FIIs and FIAGROs to repurchase their quotas

The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (“CVM”) has authorized Real Estate Investment Funds (“FII”) and Investment Funds in Agroindustrial Productive Chains (“FIAGROs”) listed on the Brazilian stock exchange, B3 S.A., to repurchase their own quotas. The decision, announced by the CVM, responds to a request from financial institutions and represents an important advance in the management flexibility of these funds, especially in times of sharp market devaluation.

The repurchase of quotas, a common practice among listed companies, was subject to doubts in the case of FIIs and FIAGROs. However, specific regulations for this transaction are yet to be detailed by the CVM. According to Thiago Giantomassi, partner in Demarest’s Capital Markets and Mergers and Acquisitions practices: “Over the last 12 months, there has been a discussion about the possibility of listed funds buying their own quotas, as listed companies do, for cash management and share pricing. For funds, the regulations are not consistent and, in the case of FIIs and FIAGRO, the law also restricts the investment of funds in the acquisition of their own quotas.”

One possibility under discussion is that repurchased quotas must be canceled, as is the case with listed company quotas, and that limits should be based on the fund’s net worth. The CVM’s decision indicates greater autonomy for managers, as long as the criteria still to be defined are respected.

The measure is expected to add dynamism to the secondary market for FII and FIAGRO quotas and offer an additional tool to mitigate price fluctuations and reinforce the attractiveness of these investment vehicles. The decision can also encourage further training in fund management and increase the interest of institutional and individual investors.

For more information: CVM authorizes listed funds FIIs and FIAGROs to repurchase their quotas

REGULATION

TAX REGULATION

RFB updates PIS/COFINS regulations

On April 30, 2025, the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (“RFB”) published RFB Normative Instruction No. 2,264/2025, which substantially changed RFB Normative Instruction (“IN”) No. 2,121/2022, consolidating the regulation of the Social Integration Program Tax and the Social Security Financing Tax (“PIS/COFINS”) contributions.

The changes largely address the need to adapt to supervening legislation and administrative and judicial case law, as well as improving provisions applicable to specific transactions, such as those involving fuels, oil derivatives, the Manaus Free Trade Zone (“ZFM”) and Free Trade Areas. In addition, the new regulation introduces certain changes that directly impact the calculation and use of tax credits.

These changes require companies to map and document the transactions and expenses that make up the tax calculation base and tax credits. The correct interpretation and application of the new regulations are essential to mitigate tax risks and ensure full use of the legally provided benefits.

STF to rule on PIS/COFINS and CSLL levied on cooperative acts

Between May 30 and June 06, the Federal Supreme Court (“STF”) will analyze whether PIS/COFINS and the Social Contribution on Net Profits (“CSLL”) can be levied on the proceeds of cooperative acts, in the judgment of Extraordinary Appeal (“RE”) No. 672,215 – Subject 536 of general repercussion (“RE No. 672,215”).

The discussion focuses on whether such revenues should be considered taxable income, as occurs in ordinary companies, or whether, due to the non-profit nature of cooperatives, revenues should not be subject to the levy of contributions. The subject became increasingly important when Provisional Measure No. 2,158-35/01 was published, repealing item I of Article 6 of Supplementary Law No. 70/91 (responsible for establishing COFINS), which granted exemption from COFINS to “cooperative societies that comply with the provisions of specific legislation regarding cooperative acts specific to their purposes”.

The appeal was filed by the Federal Government against a ruling by the Federal Regional Court of the 5th Region (TRF-5), in favor of a medical cooperative, which at the time claimed that the amounts resulting from the activity did not constitute cooperative billing or revenue, since these acts – carried out with its members in pursuit of its institutional purpose – are not profit-making.

According to the 2025 Budget Guidelines Law, the decision in RE No. 672,215 will impact not only the tax burden of cooperatives but, if the Federal Government is defeated, public treasury funds to the tune of BRL 9.1 billion.

FINANCIAL REGULATION:

CRA approves securitization of rural debt after climate disasters

The Senate’s Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Commission (“CRA”) unanimously approved Bill No. 320/2025, which authorizes the securitization of debts owed by rural producers affected by climate disasters since 2021. The bill aims to offer special renegotiation conditions for farmers, cooperatives and agro-industries located in municipalities that have declared a state of emergency or public calamity recognized by the Federal Government, or that have suffered losses proven by a technical-agronomic report.

The bill allows rural debts to be transformed into negotiable securities on the financial market, guaranteed by the National Treasury. Rural credit transactions contracted up to June 30, 2025, including costing, investment and trading, can be securitized. The measure also covers contracts with public and private banks, credit cooperatives and financial agents, as well as debts acquired through Rural Product Notes (“CPRs”) and Rural Credit Notes (“CCRs”), including those in legal dispute.

The bill also offers attractive payment conditions for producers, who will have up to 20 years to pay off their debts, with a grace period of two to three years, depending on the producer’s profile. Interest rates vary between 1% and 3% per year, depending on whether they fall into the Family Farming Strengthening Program (“PRONAF”), the National Support Program for Medium-sized Rural Producers (“PRONAMP”) or other categories. In addition, those who keep their payments up to date for four consecutive years will be eligible for a payment bonus of up to 30% and will have easier access to new lines of credit.

Another important point is the creation of the Guarantee Fund for the Securitization of Rural Debts (“FGSDR”), which aims to mitigate the risks of transactions and provide liquidity to securities issued. The Brazilian Development Bank (“BNDES”) will also set up a special line of credit for soil recovery and the implementation of irrigation systems for producers who join the program.

The Economic Affairs Commission will now analyze the bill for a final decision. If there are no appeals for a vote in plenary, the bill will be referred directly to the House of Representatives. The measure is expected to bring financial relief and predictability to thousands of producers affected by extreme weather events, strengthening the resilience of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

For more information: CRA approves securitization of rural debt after climate disasters and Climate disasters: CRA approves securitization of rural debt

CVM provides guidance on registering FIAGRO and other securitization securities

The CVM, through its Superintendence of Securities Registration (“SRE”), published CVM/SRE Circular Letter 1/2025 with new guidelines on the automatic registration of public offerings for the distribution of FIAGRO in Agroindustrial Production Chains and Other Securitization Securities (“OTS”). The measure aims to align procedures with recent regulatory changes, such as CVM Resolution No. 214/2024, as amended, which introduced a specific regulatory annex for FIAGRO and repealed previous regulations.

Highlights include the standardization of automatic registration requirements for the different types of FIAGRO, eliminating the subdivision into categories such as FIAGRO-FII, FIAGRO-FIP (Equity Investment Funds) and FIAGRO-FIDC (Credit Rights Investment Funds). In addition, specific criteria were defined for offerings with a concentration in credit rights, which provides more clarity and legal certainty for market participants. In addition, the CVM clarified that debenture offerings issued by securitization companies should be treated as OTS, reinforcing the need to adapt to the new guidelines. However, it pointed out that offerings carried out by OTS securitization companies to date, which have used the requirement for offerings of other securities, will not need any adjustment.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION:

Environmental licensing

FEDERAL

Environmental licensing framework goes to Senate Plenary as a matter of urgency

The General Environmental Licensing Law Bill No. 2,159/2021 was approved by the Senate’s CRA on May 20, 2025, and is now up for an urgent vote in the Plenary. The bill, which the Environment Commission had already approved hours earlier, establishes general rules for the bodies of the National Environment System and seeks to standardize environmental licensing procedures throughout Brazil. The bill has been pending approval in Congress for 22 years, 17 of them in the House of Representatives.

For more information: Approved by CRA, environmental licensing framework goes to Plenary Session

STATE

PARANÁ

Paraná establishes new criteria for environmental licensing of agricultural projects

On April 25, 2025, the Water and Land Institute’s (“IAT”) IN No. 13 was published. It established criteria for requiring an Environmental Impact Study (“EIA”) and Environmental Impact Report (“RIMA”) in environmental licensing of agricultural projects and forest plantations of exotic species in uncultivated areas.

The regulation aims to govern the environmental licensing of agricultural projects and forestry plantations of exotic species in areas devoid of vegetation or in the initial stage of regeneration, of less than 1,000 hectares, when significant in percentage terms or a priority for conservation, including in Environmental Protection Areas (“APA”).

Projects that will require the submission of an EIA and RIMA include those that involve:

• an APA with an area of more than 500 hectares;
• priority areas for conservation and recovery of more than 750 hectares that entail the suppression of native vegetation in the initial stage of regeneration in an area of more than 500 hectares;
• the construction or expansion of more than 50 kilometers of access roads; or
• an area of more than 300 hectares, within the buffer zone of Full Protection Conservation Units.

Planting in APAs must comply with the technical criteria established in the Management Plan. In the absence of such a plan, the competent board must consent to it and guide the actions needed to protect it. Licensing will depend on the prior consent of the Conservation Unit Manager for areas within the buffer zones of full protection conservation units.

The EIA and RIMA requirement only applies to new agricultural projects submitted for uncultivated areas, and is not applicable to areas that have already been planted.

MINAS GERAIS

Minas Gerais publishes decree with new environmental management and licensing guidelines

On May 10, 2025, State Decree No. 49,030/2025 was published, establishing the new regulatory framework for environmental management in the state of Minas Gerais. The decree aims to consolidate, update and strengthen the regulations regarding environmental protection, environmental licensing, inspection and the fostering of sustainable development.

The decree defines a comprehensive set of guidelines for environmental licensing, detailing the procedures for obtaining licenses, the technical criteria for impact assessment and the mechanisms for environmental control and monitoring. The advances include the digitalization of administrative processes, the standardization of documentary requirements and increased transparency in public decisions.

The decree also includes measures to encourage sustainability, such as tax benefits and technical support for projects that adopt environmentally responsible practices. It encourages technological innovation to reduce environmental impacts and improve the efficiency of using natural resources.

SÃO PAULO

São Paulo government regulates the use of state highway right-of-way for planting areas

On April 29, 2025, the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, announced during a visit to the 30th edition of Agrishow, in Ribeirão Preto, the regulation of planting short-cycle crops – such as corn, sugarcane and soybeans – in the so-called domain strips of highways under the jurisdiction of the São Paulo Department of Highways (“DER-SP”), which is linked to the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics.

The initiative will allow rural producers who own property in areas bordering state highways to apply to DER-SP to expand their cultivation areas, incorporating part of the domain strips – which are, on average, 25 meters wide on each side of the road, depending on the stretch, measured from the central axis of the road.

For more information: São Paulo government announces unprecedented regulation allowing farmers to use state highway right-of-way to expand planting areas

RIO GRANDE DO SUL

New normative instruction combines rules and reinforces environmental protection in irrigation projects in Rio Grande do Sul

On April 23, 2025, the Secretariat for the Environment and Infrastructure and the State Foundation for Environmental Protection published Joint Normative Instruction No. 3, which combines technical and environmental criteria for interventions in Permanent Preservation Areas (“APP”) within the scope of environmental licensing for irrigation projects in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Solid waste

FEDERAL

New decree regulates the law on solid waste imports

On May 07, 2025, Decree No. 12,4551/2025 was published, providing for the possibility of importing solid waste by the Brazilian industry, with limits for some materials established by quotas. The measure repeals the previous decree on the subject (No. 12,438/25, of April 17, 2025), meeting the demands of waste pickers and collectors of recyclable materials, complying with the needs of the industry, and fostering the circular economy.

The new decree aims to regulate the first paragraph of Article 49 of the National Solid Waste Policy (Federal Law No. 12,305/2010), which addresses the import of waste used in the transformation of materials and minerals that are strategic for national development. The article was amended by Federal Law No. 15,088/2025, which introduced exceptions to the ban on importing solid waste.

For more information: New decree regulating solid waste import law published

Biofuels / Sustainable Energy 

STATE

BAHIA

Bahia regulates transportation and sale of biomethane with a focus on safety and market expansion

On May 07, 2025, the State Agency for the Regulation of Public Energy, Transport and Communications Services of Bahia (“AGERBA”) published Resolution No. 17/2025, establishing rules for intercity road transportation and the sale of biomethane in the state of Bahia. The regulation was published by AGERBA to encourage the use of renewable fuels and guarantee safety in logistics operations involving biomethane.

The activities will be supervised by AGERBA itself, which will be able to apply sanctions in the event of non-compliance with the established rules. The resolution also provides for integration with state policies to encourage renewable energy, seeking to expand the use of biomethane in Bahia’s energy mix. Contracts for the provision of biomethane transportation services must contain specific clauses on civil liability, compulsory insurance and cargo traceability, ensuring greater control and transparency in operations.

Climate Change

FEDERAL

Technical Working Group on Safeguards concludes draft guidelines for implementing REDD+ programs

The Technical Working Group on Safeguards (“GTT Salvaguardas”) has finalized draft guidelines for the implementation of jurisdictional REDD+ programs, public and private forest carbon credit projects on public lands occupied by indigenous peoples, quilombola communities, traditional peoples and communities, and family farmers settled under Agrarian Reform.

The proposal will be submitted for deliberation by the National REDD+ Commission (“CONAREDD+”) at a meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025, at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (“MMA”). The assessment of the draft represents a step forward in ensuring that REDD+ initiatives in Brazil are aligned with climate justice, fostering environmental protection while respecting the rights of the peoples and communities that have historically protected Brazil’s biomes.

The document establishes socio-environmental safeguards and guidelines to ensure respect for the territorial rights, traditional ways of life and autonomy of these peoples and communities, in line with national legislation and the international commitments made by Brazil. The proposal already considers Law No. 15,042/2024, which lays the foundations for a regulated carbon market in Brazil.

Among the points agreed upon are:

• the obligation for free, prior and informed consultation, based on proper protocols, respecting peoples’ right to self-determination;
• the guarantee that programs and projects do not impose restrictions on access to and use of territories, ensuring the right to hunting, fishing, subsistence farming and other traditional and sustainable practices;
• the need for independent technical and legal advice, funded by project resources, so that communities can make informed decisions;
• the commitment to transparency and social control, requiring accessible language in the dissemination of results and contracts; and
• the inclusion of women, young people and the elderly in project management, decision-making and implementation processes.

Established by CONAREDD+ Resolution No. 14, the GTT Salvaguardas is responsible for defining guidelines for meeting REDD+ safeguards in Brazil, as well as rules for initiatives on public lands and territories of indigenous peoples and traditional communities. The group is made up of government bodies, civil society, the private sector and representatives of organizations such as the National Council of Traditional Peoples and Communities (“CNPCT”), the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (“COIAB”), the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (“APIB”), the National Health Council (“CNS”), the National Coordination of the Articulation of Black Rural Quilombola Communities (“CONAQ”) and the National Confederation of Agricultural Workers (“CONTAG”). The GTT Salvaguardas is supported by the Floresta+ Amazônia Project, a federal government-sponsored international cooperation initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (“UNDP”) Brazil and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency. It is financed by the Green Climate Fund.

For more information: GTT Salvaguardas concludes proposed guidelines for implementing REDD programs

Brazil and China sign cooperation agreement on vegetation restoration and carbon sinks

On May 13, 2025, the Brazilian and Chinese governments signed a memorandum that seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on vegetation restoration and carbon sinks. The document was signed by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, and the president of China’s National Forest and Grassland Administration, Liu Guohon, at a ceremony attended by Presidents Lula and Xi Jinping in Beijing. 

For more information: Brazil and China sign cooperation agreement on vegetation restoration and carbon sinks

RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro sets up working group to draw up ABC+ RJ Plan (2025 – 2030)

On May 16, 2025, the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (“SEAPA”) published Resolution No. 4/2025 establishing the working group to draw up the State Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change and Low Carbon Emission in Agriculture and Livestock with a view to sustainable development in the state of Rio de Janeiro – ABC+ RJ Plan (2025 – 2030). The Secretary of State for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply adopted the measure based on Administrative Proceeding No. SEI-020001/002572/2025.

The initiative continues the first cycle of the ABC Plan (2010 – 2020), which was one of the main instruments of national agricultural policy aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. The new cycle, called the ABC+ Plan, covers the period from 2020 to 2030 and aims to foster adaptation to climate change and control of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, with a focus on efficiency, resilience of production systems and integrated landscape management.

SEAPA will coordinate the working group and may include representatives from various bodies and institutions, by invitation, including the State Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainability, the Rio de Janeiro State Federation of Agriculture (“FAERJ”), the Rio de Janeiro State Federation of Industries (“FIRJAN”), Banco do Brasil, the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service of Rio de Janeiro (“SEBRAE/RJ”), the Superintendence of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (“MAPA”) in Rio de Janeiro, the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (“UFRRJ”), the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (“EMBRAPA”), the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Corporation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (“EMATER-Rio”), the Agricultural Research Corporation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (“PESGRO-RIO”), the Darcy Ribeiro State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro (“UENF”) and the Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (“IFRJ”). The group will be coordinated by SEAPA, which will be responsible for convening the participants and conducting the work.

The duties of the working group members will not be remunerated and are considered to be in the public interest. New bodies and entities may join by invitation, with consensus or simple majority approval among the members.

Administrative Proceedings

RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

IDEMA regulates administrative decentralization and judgment of environmental infractions in Rio Grande do Norte

On May 10, 2025, Ordinance No. 211/2025 of the Electronic Information System (“SEI”) of the Institute for Sustainable Development and the Environment of Rio Grande do Norte (“IDEMA”) was published, which provides for administrative decentralization and administrative proceedings for the determination of environmental infraction notices within the scope of IDEMA. The regulation establishes the Environmental Inspection Unit (“UFAmb”), the Environmental Infraction Notices Judgment Chamber (‘CJAI’) and the Judgment Support Center (“NAJ”).

The UFAmb, subordinate to IDEMA’s technical board, is responsible for exercising preventive and corrective administrative police power in the control and inspection of potentially environmentally degrading activities. Its duties include issuing notices, applying precautionary environmental measures, issuing infraction notices and initiating administrative proceedings.

The regulation establishes that administrative proceedings will be carried out electronically, from the moment the notice is issued until the administrative measures are adopted. In cases of imminent environmental degradation, the inspector may adopt additional precautionary measures, duly recorded on an electronic form linked to the proceedings.

The defense must be addressed to the CJAI, which consists of three members with legal training and is chaired by IDEMA’s technical officer. The CJAI’s decision can be appealed, also within 15 days, to the president of the State Environment Council. Procedural measures are carried out electronically, with a digital protocol, and deadlines are extended when they coincide with non-working days.

The ordinance also created the NAJ, which is responsible for the CJAI’s secretariat, drafting decisions, distributing cases among the chamber’s members, organizing trial agendas, and carrying out other related activities.

Finally, the ordinance provides for the possibility of reviewing administrative proceedings and encourages the consensual resolution of environmental conflicts, through actions and campaigns aimed at preventing and resolving disputes.

Programs and Incentives to Agricultural Production

ALAGOAS

Program to encourage organic system of agricultural and industrial production to be established in Alagoas

On April 23, 2025, Law No. 9,536/2025 was published, authorizing the Executive Branch to establish the Program to Encourage the Organic System of Agricultural and Industrial Production in the state of Alagoas, to encourage the expansion and dissemination of food production that is not aggressive to human health and the environment. The program will be linked to the Alagoas State Department of Agriculture.

The organic production system, as defined by the law, involves technologies that optimize the use of natural and socio-economic resources, respecting cultural integrity and seeking to offer healthy products with high nutritional value. These products must be free of contaminants that could harm the health of the consumer, the producer and the environment. In addition, the system must foster self-sufficiency, maximize social benefits, minimize dependence on non-renewable energies and eliminate the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMO/transgenic) or ionizing radiation at any stage of the storage and consumption process.

Producers wishing to receive the benefits of this law must prove, through legal documentation, that they are under certification and organic quality control carried out by certifying institutions accredited by a national collegiate body, established by a specific MAPA regulation.

Those who meet the law’s requirements will receive tax incentives and priority in obtaining agricultural credits administered by state institutions.

The Executive Branch will set the deadline for implementing the regulation from this law’s publication date. Finally, the expenses arising from implementing this law will be covered by the budget appropriations allocated in the current budget.

Alagoas launches seal for family farming products

On April 23, 2025, Law No. 9,539/2025 was published, establishing the Seal for the Identification of Family Farming Products in Alagoas (“Sipaf/AL”). The law aims to add value to the production of family farming, fishing, aquaculture, and plant extraction, while fostering sustainable rural development, food and nutritional security, as well as generating work, employment and income.

The seal will be granted to products from family farmers, rural family entrepreneurs, associative forms of family farming organization, foresters, farmers, extractivists, indigenous peoples, quilombolas and professional artisanal fishermen who meet the requirements of Federal Law No. 11,326/2006.

The specific targets of Sipaf/AL include increasing the supply of processed products, reducing regional imbalances, strengthening actions to combat hunger and poverty, developing sustainable activities, fostering family agroindustries, expanding agroindustrial units, organizing family farmers, increasing income, creating conditions for access to the consumer market, optimizing human and natural resources, training the target public, supporting technical services and infrastructure, drawing up manuals on good practices, setting up logistics bases, building up regulatory stocks, stimulating the generation of products, encouraging tourist activities, supporting the development of agro-ecological products, structuring the Municipal Inspection Service (“SIM”), and developing partnerships with environmental bodies.

PARAÍBA

Paraíba extends the deadline for updating the registration of agricultural producers

On May 06, 2025, the State Secretariat for Agricultural and Fisheries Development (“SEDAP”) published Ordinance No. 66, establishing guidelines for calling on agricultural producers in Paraíba to update the registration of their livestock holdings.

Rural producers who were not compliant with the Agricultural Defense Office in November 2024 and who have not been able to update their registration must regularize their registration of livestock holdings, without the imposition of administrative fines, during the period from May 01 to 31, 2025, which is non-extendable. The measure aims to ensure greater effectiveness in the management of public policies aimed at the agricultural sector, especially in organizing and updating the records of rural producers in Paraíba.

Producers who were not compliant with Agricultural Defense campaigns prior to November 2024 will be subject to the penalties provided for in Law No. 9,926/2012 and Decree No. 41,497/2021.

MATO GROSSO

Mato Grosso do Sul establishes seal to value family farming products

On May 07, 2025, State Law No. 6,405/2025 was published, establishing the Family Farming Seal Program in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, to value and foster the marketing of artisanal family farming products, ensuring that they meet food safety and innocuousness standards, in accordance with federal, state and municipal health standards.

The regulation establishes that product inspection and monitoring will be carried out in an equitable and standardized manner, based on risk analysis and critical control points, seeking to add value to production by issuing a seal of identity and quality, as well as fostering the population’s food and nutritional security. The seal will only be granted to products that have been previously inspected and approved by the competent authority, in accordance with specific regulations.

The program will be managed by the State Secretariat for the Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation, and coordinated by the Executive Secretariat for Family Farming, Original Peoples and Traditional Communities, with support from the Agrarian Development and Rural Extension Agency (“AGRAER”), the State Animal and Plant Health Defence Agency (“IAGRO”), MAPA, municipal SIMs, cooperatives and associations. Coordination will be required to align the program’s rules with current health regulations, especially with regard to the production, inspection, monitoring and sale of products of animal origin.

The program will cover four product categories: fresh vegetables, processed vegetables, fresh animals and processed animals. The criteria for granting the seal will be defined in specific regulations. Artisanal products that do not fall into the categories provided for may be assessed individually by a qualified technical body, which will issue a technical report based on specific regulations.

The law also recognizes different categories of producers, such as family farmers, indigenous people, quilombolas, riverside dwellers and urban and peri-urban producers, ensuring their own identity and social representation in the program. Regulations will define the guidelines for each group’s participation, allowing them to organize into cooperatives or associations.

PERNAMBUCO

ADAGRO establishes the validity period for registering agroindustrial establishments in Pernambuco

On May 09, 2025, the Agricultural Defense and Inspection Agency (“ADAGRO”) published Ordinance No. 33/2025, establishing the validity period for registering establishments with the agency. The regulation aims to standardize the deadlines for renewing registrations, providing more clarity and predictability for businesses in the agricultural sector.

According to the ordinance, the registrations of Small Rural Agro-Industrial Establishments (“EAPPs”) and Small Dairy Agroindustries will be valid for a period of five years, as provided for in State Law No. 18,829/2025. For other establishments that do not fall into these classifications, the registration validity period may be one or five years, according to the option of the interested party when applying for renewal.

The registration fee for the five-year period will be equivalent to the annual fee multiplied by five, respecting the classification of the activity carried out by the establishment. The choice of validity period will be up to the applicant at the time of the request, and ADAGRO will have up to 30 days to analyze renewal requests.

Water Resource Management

AMAZONAS

State government of Amazonas signs agreement with National Water Agency to strengthen water resource management

The State Government of Amazonas, through the Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute and the State Secretariat for the Environment (“SEMA”), has signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (“ANA”). The signing took place during the 3rd National Seminar for Integrating the Regulation of Water Resource Use, held in João Pessoa on May 07, 2025, attended by state and federal authorities from the environmental sector.

In force until 2028, the partnership aims to strengthen integration between the water use regulation systems of the Federal Government and Amazonas. The agreement provides for the adoption of joint procedures for issuing grants, a legal instrument that authorizes the use of water resources, and seeks to streamline and improve the efficiency of services to users, both for the abstraction and release of surface and groundwater.

For more information: State government of Amazonas signs agreement with National Water Agency to strengthen water resource management

Regularization and Forestry Matters

SÃO PAULO

São Paulo launches guide for environmental regularization of rural properties

On April 29, 2025, the State Government of São Paulo launched the new volume of the Technical Operational Manual for the Rural Environmental Regularization Program. The publication, announced during Agrishow – the agricultural technology fair held in Ribeirão Preto – focuses on compensating for the Legal Reserve and providing more straightforward guidelines for rural producers on regularizing their properties based on compensation for this environmental area.

Compensation for the Legal Reserve (“RL”) can be carried out in different ways. One of the options is to donate areas to the government, especially for conservation units, which contributes to the increase in protected areas within the state. An alternative is to lease areas of native vegetation located on third-party properties, provided they meet the established legal criteria. It is also possible to compensate in equivalent areas within the same biome, promoting environmental preservation without affecting the economic activities of the rural property.

In addition to contributing to the sustainability and preservation of the environment, legal reserve compensation can increase the value of regularized rural properties, making them more attractive to investors and more legally protected. It can also generate additional economic benefits for rural producers.

Another highlight of the event was the announcement that the São Paulo government has reached the milestone of 120,000 validated rural environmental registrations (“CAR”). This registration allows producers to access rural credit, bank financing, and environmental licensing projects. CAR validation is necessary to ensure that producers comply with the state’s legal and environmental requirements and to allow them to obtain financial resources to invest in their properties. The goal is to reach 200,000 validated registrations by the end of 2025.

In addition to launching the manual, the state government also highlighted the Agro Legal Program, established in 2020, whose main purpose is to restore 800,000 hectares of APP and legal reserve areas. This initiative seeks to regularize properties and double the state’s environmental restoration target for the next 20 years.

For more information: Government of São Paulo launches guide for farmers on environmental regularization and Legal Reserves

PARANÁ

Paraná establishes criteria for authorizing the suppression of native vegetation

On May 06, 2025, IN IAT No. 48/2025 was published, establishing criteria and procedures for authorizing the suppression of native vegetation in the state of Paraná. The regulation was published by the Water and Land Institute (“IAT”), based on federal and state legislation, including the Atlantic Forest Law (Federal Law No. 11,428/2006), the Forest Code (Federal Law No. 12,651/2012) and State Law No. 22,252/2024, which addresses environmental licensing in the state.

IN IAT Nº 48/2025 defines concepts such as: Permanent Preservation Area; Legal Reserve; Alternative Land Use; Environmental Compensation for Suppression of Native Vegetation; among others. In addition, the IN establishes that suppression requests must be filed via the National System for Controlling the Origin of Forest Products (“SINAFLOR”) platform, submitting specific documents according to the legal framework, as well as a vegetation inventory drawn up by a qualified professional.

Suppression authorization requires the existence of a minimum Legal Reserve of 20% and environmental compensation, with the allocation of an area equivalent to the one suppressed. The permit is valid for up to three years, extendable for one more, except in cases of public utility or social interest, which can be up to five years.

The rule requires the submission of a logging report after suppression, with a georeferenced map, the volume logged and the destination of the material. The transportation of forestry products will depend on the forestry origin document and mandatory forest replacement must be complied with in accordance with state legislation.

FEDERAL

Solo Vivo Program will recover degraded areas and strengthen family farming in Mato Grosso

On May 24, 2025, MAPA launched the Solo Vivo (Living Soil) Program in Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, at an event attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Minister Carlos Fávaro. The initiative, which involves an initial investment of BRL 42.8 million, aims to recover degraded areas, strengthen family farming and foster sustainable development in the state of Mato Grosso.

The program is a partnership with the Federation of Agricultural Workers of the State of Mato Grosso (“FETAGRI – MT”), responsible for managing the project, and the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso (“IFMT”), which will be in charge of the technical studies of soil analysis and correction. The IFMT is also offering technical training through a free online course, which has attracted more than 180 participants so far.

The pilot project includes actions in 10 municipalities: Alto Araguaia; Campo Verde; Poconé; Rosário Oeste; Barra do Bugres; São Félix do Araguaia; Matupá; Juína; Pontes e Lacerda; and São José dos Quatro Marcos. The activities will begin with the first five municipalities.

The Solo Vivo Program focuses on the recovery of degraded areas destined for family farming, seeking to improve soil quality, increase crop productivity, strengthen income generation and encourage families to remain in the countryside.

For more information: Solo Vivo program will recover degraded areas and strengthen family farming in Mato Grosso

Agricultural Pesticides

MATO GROSSO

Mato Grosso changes rules on pesticide application based on the size of rural property

On May 09, 2025, State Law No. 12,859/2025 was published, which provides for the use, production, trade, storage, transportation, application and inspection of pesticides, their components and the like, in the state of Mato Grosso.

The main change introduced by the new law was the inclusion of paragraphs 1 and 2 in Article 5 of Law No. 8,588/2006, establishing different criteria for the ground application of pesticides depending on the size of the rural property to ensure greater operational safety. According to the new paragraph 1, on large rural properties, with an area of more than 15 fiscal modules, the application, whether mechanized or not, must take place at a minimum distance of 90 meters from towns, cities, villages, neighborhoods, water catchment sources, isolated dwellings, groups of animals and springs, even if intermittent. For medium-sized properties, with an area between 4 and 15 fiscal modules, the minimum distance required is 25 meters. For small properties, with up to 4 fiscal modules, the application can take place regardless of any minimum distance from the same elements.

The new wording also expressly prohibits the use of pesticides in APPs, Legal Reserves, natural reserves of public or private property, full protection conservation units and other protected areas in accordance with the Forest Code and the State Environmental Code.

In addition, the new law determines replacement of the term “agrotoxic” by “pesticide” in all the provisions of Law No. 8,588/2006, both in printed and digital versions, ensuring a standardized terminology in line with current technical and normative language.

Combating environmental crimes

CEARÁ

Ceará creates permanent committee to combat environmental crimes

On April 23, 2025, Decree No. 36,537/2025 was published, creating the Permanent Committee to Combat Environmental Crimes (“CPCCA”). The regulation aims to foster sustainable economic development, biodiversity conservation and the population’s quality of life, while also mitigating the impacts of environmental degradation on water security, climate balance and public health.

The CPCCA is in charge of ensuring that its members work together to analyze, propose and implement integrated policies and actions, propose studies, foster environmental education and thematic research, encourage campaigns to combat environmental crimes and raise public awareness about the harmful consequences for the environment and quality of life.

The CPCCA will consist of representatives from SEMA, the State Environmental Superintendence of Ceará (“SEMACE”), the State Environmental Police Battalion, the State Civil Police Environmental Protection Precinct and the State Attorney General’s Office, through the Heritage and Environment Prosecutor’s Office. Representatives of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (“IBAMA”) and the State Public Prosecutor’s Office will be invited to participate as permanent members, as well as authorities and experts from universities, institutes, foundations and associations.

The participation of CPCCA members will not be remunerated and their work will be considered to be of public interest. The CPCCA’s internal regulations will be drawn up within 60 days of its installation.

The basic structure of the CPCCA will be a presidency by SEMA, an executive secretariat by SEMACE, and thematic subcommittees and/or working groups. The Plenary will meet at intervals defined in the internal regulations, and the CPCCA will define the composition and terms of the thematic subcommittees and/or working groups.

The CPCCA will be set up within 30 days of the decree’s publication.

MAPA – MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK REGULATION:

MAPA updates status of suspension of Brazilian poultry meat exports

On May 23, 2025, MAPA released an official note updating the temporary restrictions imposed by importing countries on Brazilian poultry meat, due to the confirmation of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the municipality of Montenegro, in Rio Grande do Sul.

Below is the current status regarding import restrictions on Brazilian poultry meat:

• Total suspension of poultry meat exports from Brazil: China, the European Union, Mexico, Iraq, South Korea, Chile, the Philippines, South Africa, Jordan, Peru, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Malaysia, Argentina, East Timor, Morocco, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Albania, Namibia and India.
• Suspension restricted to the state of Rio Grande do Sul: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Cuba, Macedonia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Angola.
• Suspension limited to the municipality of Montenegro (RS): United Arab Emirates and Japan.

MAPA opens public consultation regarding proposed Technical Regulation on Identity and Quality for corn distillery by-products

On May 07, 2025, MAPA published Ordinance No. 1,277/25 of the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense (“SDA/MAPA”), which opens a public consultation on the proposed Technical Regulation on Identity and Quality (“RTIQ”) for corn distillery by-products.

The deadline for contributions is July 22, 2025.  Contributions must be sent via the Normative Acts Monitoring System (“SISMAN”), available on the MAPA Portal.

Among the main provisions of the proposal, we highlight the following:

• The proposal establishes 14 different types of co-products, according to their form of presentation, their nutritional value, and the tolerance limits for maximum moisture, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, maximum mineral material and dextrose.
• Products that do not meet the RTIQ criteria will be considered “off-grade” and their sale will be prohibited. They may be re-processed, broken down or recomposed in order to comply with the RTIQ.
• The proposal also establishes the procedures for sampling, classification and labelling, as well as establishing conditions that lead to the product’s declassification, which must be formalized by an accredited entity and communicated to the competent authority.

MAPA submits proposal regarding maximum limits for mycotoxins in food for cats and dogs to public consultation

On May 15, 2025, MAPA published SDA/MAPA Ordinance No. 1.281/25, which opens a public consultation on the proposed ordinance establishing maximum limits for mycotoxins in products intended for animal feed for cats and dogs.

The proposal aims to establish the maximum limit for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin, mycotoxins produced by species of the fungus genus Aspergillus.  According to the draft, products that exceed these limits will be considered unfit for animal use or consumption, in whole or in part, and will be subject to the precautionary and administrative measures provided for in current legislation.

The deadline for contributions is June 30, 2025. Contributions must be sent via SISMAN, available on the MAPA Portal.

REAL ESTATE REGULATION

Disciplinary Board of the Courts of the State of Mato Grosso launches booklet to regularize properties on the border strip

On May 08, 2025, the Disciplinary Board of the Courts of the State of Mato Grosso launched a digital booklet aimed at owners of rural properties located on the border strip with Bolivia, an area of up to 150 km from the border.

As a rule, according to Law No. 13,178/2015, all rural properties located on the border strip, which were originally titled by the states and have not been confirmed by the Federal Government, must be ratified by October 22, 2025.

Unless the ratification takes place, the properties will be incorporated into the public patrimony as properties of the Federal Government, causing the current owners to lose their property and have to regularize their ownership once again.

Exceptions to this rule are titles that were issued by the Federal Government or by the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (“INCRA”), as well as those already ratified by the former INCRA procedure.

The booklet includes an indication of the 28 municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso that are part of the border strip, as well as a definition of the properties that must be regularized, the documents required, legal procedures and exceptions.

The following documents must be submitted to proceed with the ratification:

1. application;
2. the property’s chain of title up to the origin of its titling by the Government;
3. blueprint and technical report showing the location of the property;
4. Technical Responsibility Certificate and/or Technical Responsibility Term;
5. proof that there are no administrative or judicial challenges or claims;
6. INCRA certification, if the property is georeferenced;
7. Rural Property Registration Certificate (“CCIR”); and
8. Rural Land Tax Debt Clearance Certificate.

In addition, in an effort to facilitate the procedure, the Mato Grosso Court of Justice published Provision No. 43/2019, which allows properties of up to 2,500 hectares to be ratified extrajudicially, at the real estate registry office.