Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 27, Bayer announced on Wednesday that it will launch a new soybean seed variety named Intacta 5+ in Brazil, the world's leading soybean producer and exporter. The company aims to offer farmers an advanced biotechnology option once regulatory approvals are obtained.

The Brazilian national flag is seen next to Bayer's flag in front of Bayer headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil October 4, 2017.

Commercial varieties featuring Intacta 5+ are scheduled for release during the 2027/28 growing season, subject to necessary authorizations in Brazil and other markets. The new seeds provide tolerance to five herbicides—mesotrione, dicamba, glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D—while also delivering protection against key caterpillar pests that affect soybean crops.

Brazilian agriculture has widely adopted genetically modified seeds over recent decades, contributing significantly to higher yields across multiple crops. A November 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service notes that Brazil ranks as the second-largest producer of biotech crops globally, after the United States.

For the current 2024/2025 season, the report projects that 68.5 million hectares (169.3 million acres) of Brazilian farmland will be planted with crops containing genetically engineered traits. Adoption rates reach 99% for soybeans and cotton, and 95% for corn.

"The new seeds bring an important genetic advancement that will help farmers face current and future agricultural challenges," said Marcio Santos, CEO of Bayer's crop science division in Brazil.

According to Bayer, the existing Intacta technology platform has increased Brazil's soybean output by 21.2 million metric tons over the past decade, based on research conducted by agribusiness consultancy Agroconsult. The introduction of Intacta 5+ is intended to build on this record by providing broader weed control options and enhanced insect resistance, supporting continued productivity growth in one of the country’s most important agricultural sectors.