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Brazil Bets on Sorghum as Strategic Alternative to Corn, with Exports to China and Growing Highlight in the Biofuels Sector
The average Brazilian, especially in big cities, has likely never heard of sorghum. Many do not even know what it is, but it is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world. In Brazil, it is starting to gain prominence in agribusiness, shifting from being seen merely as a secondary crop.
Internal Use and Recent Expansion
Historically, sorghum has always been linked to the domestic market. Most of the production was destined for animal feed, especially for poultry and swine.
In recent years, however, the grain has also begun to supply the biofuel industry, especially in ethanol production. This diversification reinforces its relevance within the agricultural chain.
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One reason for the advancement of sorghum is its adaptability. The plant thrives in hot and dry regions where crops like corn encounter difficulties. This characteristic makes it strategic in scenarios of climate irregularity.
Towards Export
Now, the cereal is entering a new phase. Starting in 2026, Brazil will be able to export sorghum to China, following an agreement made between the two countries.
According to Lucas Sleutjes Silveira from Advanta Seeds, the next step is to adjust phytosanitary protocols and quality standards. “The expectation is that by the 2026 off-season, Brazil will be ready to ship grain sorghum to the Chinese market,” he stated.
The potential of this market is enormous. USDA data indicates that China may demand up to 7.9 million tons per year, which represents about 81% of global imports. This demand places the grain in a prominent position.
Global Landscape
The United States is the largest exporter, with 5.4 million tons. Following are Australia, with 2.6 million, and Argentina, with 1.4 million. Together, these three countries control 96% of international trade.
The most important factor is that the situation is beginning to create space for new suppliers, as the area planted in the U.S. shows signs of contraction.
Furthermore, trade tensions between Washington and Beijing reduce the predictability of Chinese purchases.
In this scenario, Brazil emerges as a natural candidate to occupy some of this space. The country produced 5 million tons in the 2024/25 harvest and solidified its position as the third-largest producer in the world.
Advantages of the Off-Season
Within national territory, sorghum also gains relevance. The crop is considered a competitive “Plan B” compared to off-season corn.
Drought tolerance, adaptability to different soils, and production costs up to 30% lower are decisive factors. These advantages make the grain a strategic choice in late planting windows.
While corn requires more water and is at risk in years of drought, sorghum maintains productivity with less water stress.
“Sorghum withstands drought but not hunger. If the producer adopts proper nutritional management, they can harvest up to 200 sacks per hectare,” explained agronomist Wedersom Urzedo.
In states like Mato Grosso and Goiás, the expansion is already visible. In Goiás alone, the area is expected to grow by 2.2% in 2024/25, reaching 393 thousand hectares.
Another growth vector is bioenergy. Research shows that the yield of sorghum for ethanol production is similar to that of corn but with a lower acquisition cost.
Plants in Mato Grosso do Sul, Maranhão, and Vale do Araguaia have already adapted their lines to process both grains, creating hybrid models.
Additionally, the byproduct of ethanol, DDG, is highly protein-rich and can be used in animal feed. “The DDG generated after ethanol production is highly protein-rich and can be used in animal feed, adding value to the chain,” highlighted Ana Scavone from Advanta Seeds.
This characteristic reinforces the versatility of the grain, which also serves as biomass and soil cover.
Technology and Innovation
The leap of the crop in Brazil is directly linked to technological advancement. Among the innovations is igrowth technology, which increases sorghum’s tolerance to herbicides from the imidazolinone group.
This ensures greater efficiency in controlling grasses, one of the biggest challenges for farmers. The result is cleaner, more uniform, and productive harvests, benefiting even subsequent crops.
Another highlight is the consortium of sorghum with brachiaria. This integration increases soil coverage, boosts biomass, and strengthens integrated crop-livestock-forest systems, known as ILPF.
Challenges of Cultivation
Despite advancements, sorghum still faces challenges. Controlling pests such as stink bugs, caterpillars, and aphids requires constant attention.
Fungal diseases also pose risks to the crop. Research companies already offer specific solutions, but management remains a decisive factor.
Another critical point is nutrition. Many producers, trusting in the grain’s resistance, end up neglecting fertilization.
This mistake compromises productive potential. “Sorghum requires the same planning as corn, with special attention to genetic material selection and soil preparation,” emphasized Wedersom Urzedo.
A New Cycle
In the last four years, Brazilian sorghum production has doubled. The crop has ceased to be viewed as a “risky alternative” and is now seen as strategic.
With the export agreement to China, the strengthening of the biofuel sector, and technological gains, the grain has the potential to play a prominent role.
Therefore, more than just a complement to corn, sorghum can become the protagonist of a new phase in Brazilian agriculture, combining profitability, sustainability, and global insertion.
With information from Times Brasil.
Notícias sobre o agronegócio sempre são importantes!
É importante lembrar qual variedade é que eles precisam. Há aquelas que são da cor branca, altamente consomida na Africa. Ou variedades com alto teor de taninos.
Infelizmente mudamos a cultura mas continuamos dependendo dos fertilizantes da Rússia. O problema é os EUA que perseguem compradores da Rússia.