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GreenLight Biosciences Aims to Revolutionize Brazilian Agriculture with RNAi Biotechnology, Capable of Silencing Pest Genes Without Affecting Other Organisms. The Technology is Biodegradable, Leaves No Residues, and Promises More Safety for Producers and the Environment.
GreenLight Biosciences is a global company focused on RNA solutions for agriculture and health, which has arrived in Brazil with an aggressive growth plan. The company operates in the country with an office in Piracicaba, an innovation hub for agribusiness. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of next-generation biological pesticides and put the technology in the hands of more producers for effective pest control.
The entry into the Brazilian market came with financial backing. In March 2025, the company received a funding of US$ 25 million from Just Climate, a fund co-founded by Al Gore, to expand development and production scale. On the global horizon, GreenLight plans to launch at least ten products in five years, with five designed for the needs of Brazilian agriculture.
The plan considers the size and relevance of Brazil in crops such as soy, corn, cotton, and beans, along with the pressure for sustainability in export chains. The company also aims to increase its production capacity by ten times, which reduces supply bottlenecks and provides predictability for distributors and commercial channels.
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What is RNAi, the Biotechnology Used by GreenLight Biosciences, and Why It Can Change Pest Control
RNA-based biotechnology, known as RNAi or gene silencing, works by blocking the production of vital proteins in specific pests. By targeting RNA sequences that correspond to the target gene, the technology induces degradation of the genetic messages that the pest needs to survive. The result is high selectivity, a direct impact on the target organism, and less interference with beneficial insects, plants, and people.
In practice, RNAi offers a way to reduce chemical load in the field without sacrificing efficiency. Since RNA molecules degrade quickly in the environment, the tendency is for them to leave minimal residues on fruits and grains. This better meets export requirements and the sustainability goals that are gaining traction in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Another point is the potential to mitigate resistance to traditional modes of action. By allowing the development of highly specific solutions for each pest, RNAi broadens the toolbox and helps preserve the effectiveness of conventional insecticides, which remain important in well-designed programs.
What is Already Available and What is Coming
The company’s debut in the country came with Fortivance, formulated to maximize insecticide efficiency through an approach inspired by the RNA platform. In the field, the product acts as a performance-enhancing adjuvant, helping the producer to get more performance from already used mixtures, without altering the entire control program. It is a practical step to bridge the gap to RNAi while full registrations progress.
In terms of upcoming launches, GreenLight is working to introduce RNAi solutions targeted at specific pests. The initial focus is on fruit cultivation, which faces strict residue demands, especially in markets like the European Union. The company is already conducting experimental trials for two fronts: a product against fungi on grapevines and another for controlling mites affecting crops like citrus and coffee.
Abroad, the highlight is Calantha, targeted at the Colorado potato beetle. It is the only commercially available RNA foliar product, with significant performance in the first year of sales in the United States. The pipeline also includes Norroa, an acaricide for the varroa mite that affects bees, and a fungicide project against powdery mildew, as well as studies aiming for a future RNA herbicide for difficult weeds.
Regulation in Brazil: CTNBio, RET, and Next Steps
An important milestone came with CTNBio, which certified that the RNA solutions evaluated by the company are not genetically modified organisms. This interpretation allowed for the initiation of field trials with specific protocols, always following good biosafety practices. This point is central to accelerate the learning curve with producers and consultants.
On the regulatory side, the company completed the Temporary Special Registration (RET) with the three Brazilian agencies that evaluate pesticides: MAPA, Anvisa, and Ibama. The RET enables studies of efficacy and safety under real conditions, paving the way for the complete registration dossier. According to the company, the preparation of this material is in the final stage, with submission scheduled for the second half of 2025.
If the timelines are confirmed by the authorities, the expectation is to obtain the first registrations in 2026. This timeline is relevant because it dictates when RNAi solutions can be effectively integrated into commercial programs, including outside of fruit cultivation. Until then, the fieldwork with Fortivance and the studies with RNAi will provide data to support technical recommendations and training.
Impact in the Field, Price, and Adoption in Major Crops
From the producer’s perspective, the RNAi proposal is to combine safety and sustainability without penalizing profitability. RNA molecules tend to be biodegradable and leave very low residues, which reduces risks of trade barriers and improves consumer perception. The selectivity also reduces collateral impacts on beneficial organisms, an aspect increasingly observed in buyer audits.
In terms of cost, the company’s stated goal is to reach price parity with conventional pesticides, adding the advantage of safety and sustainability. For the producer, this means assessing the total cost of the program, considering potential efficiency gains, fewer reapplications, and better compatibility with IPM. Economic viability tends to improve as production scale increases.
After the fruit cultivation phase, the ambition is to bring RNAi to major crops like soy, corn, cotton, and beans. In these chains, the technology can target pests with a history of resistance and difficult-to-manage weeds, broadening options for rotation of modes of action. The key will be to gather field evidence, provide supply predictability, and strengthen extension with channels, cooperatives, and technical consultancies.
Challenges and Next Steps: Scale, Acceptance, and Partnerships
The first challenge is industrial scale. The company plans to multiply its production capacity by ten to meet the expected demand, which involves standardizing quality and logistics. In parallel, there is the classic challenge of adoption of innovation: demonstrating consistency across multiple regions, climatic conditions, and levels of pest pressure.
Another point is market education. As a sophisticated technology with a scientific language, RNAi requires clear knowledge transfer materials and training programs that connect science and practice. Integration into IPM, application quality, and responsible use will continue to be crucial for capturing the full potential of the tool.
Finally, partnerships with research institutions and the distribution chain accelerate the learning curve. Conversations with Embrapa, cooperatives, and distributors aim to build robust and viable protocols in the daily operations of producers. The stated objective is to make RNA as accessible as any other pesticide, while maintaining safety, efficiency, and ecosystem protection at scale.
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