Peanut production in Brazil soars with certified seeds

Brazil's peanut farming sector has seen a remarkable transformation in the past decade, evolving from basic and informal practices to embracing advanced technologies and higher quality standards. This change is largely driven by the growing demand for exports and heightened consumer expectations, leading to a fourfold increase in the area dedicated to peanut seed production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock's standards, from 7,926.87 hectares in the 2015/16 season to 32,321.29 hectares in the 2023/24 season. The state of São Paulo, hosting 90% of the country's peanut plantations, is at the forefront of this shift, with a significant adoption of certified seeds from institutions like Embrapa Algodão and the Campinas Agronomic Institute (IAC). This has not only expanded the planted area but also enhanced the quality of the harvest. With 65% to 70% of the area now using certified seeds, the sector's new focus is on boosting domestic consumption to lessen its export dependency.