Brazil AgTech Report: Satellite Tractors, Mombak Climate Capital, TerraMagna AgFintech SaaS, Atvos Bioindustry Bet
#25 BAR Brief
Curated insights from the frontlines of Brazilian AgTech, Climate Tech, and Ag innovation.
Summary
In this week’s Brazil AgTech Report, rural connectivity takes another leap forward as John Deere partners with Starlink to launch satellite-connected machinery in Brazil—enabling real-time monitoring and precision farming in even the most remote areas. Meanwhile, Embraer and Agrotools are integrating satellite imagery into a new rural insurance model, streamlining claims and risk analysis. In the fintech space, TerraMagna has spun off a new arm focused on credit and risk mapping for Brazil’s $20 billion grain input resale market, reflecting a broader shift toward smarter, data-driven rural financing.
On the financial front, growth remains strong: ag retailer FEX Agro posted a 70% revenue jump in Q1, and Mombak raised $20 million—backed by Brazil’s Climate Fund—to support large-scale native reforestation. Macroeconomic indicators are also pointing up, with Brazil’s agribusiness GDP up 1.81% in 2024 and the Ministry of Agriculture forecasting a 10% increase in gross production value for 2025.
Internationally, Brazil continues to expand its influence. Cooxupé, the world’s largest coffee cooperative, now manages a $2 billion operation, while soy and corn harvest forecasts continue to rise. At the innovation frontier, Suzano is positioning cellulose as a sustainable substitute for plastic and textiles, and Atvos is investing over $15 million in a new biochemical factory in partnership with a Japanese startup.
Table of Contents
AgTech
🌐 Satellite-Connected Farm Machinery Arrives in Brazil
📉 TerraMagna Launches Data Risk-Focused Arm
🔍 Broto Survey Highlights Farmer Tech Expectations for 2025
🛰️ Embraer and Agrotools Unveil Ag Satellite Insurance Model
Climate Tech
🧪 HELM Pushes Biologics and Generics in Brazil
🧬 Suzano Bets on Cellulose Beyond Paper
🌱 What the Green Economy Means for Brazil Ag
🏭 ATVOs Invest $15M in Biochemical Factory
Funding Rounds
🌳 Mombak Raises $20M for Reforestation Projects
Macro & Markets
📈 Ag GDP Up 18.1% in 2024, Led by Services and Livestock
📊 Conab Raises Forecast for Soy and Corn Harvest
💰 The Man Behind the World’s Largest Coffee Co-op
💸 FEX Agro Grows 70% Amid Challenges
AgTech
🌐 Satellite-Connected Farm Machinery Arrives in Brazil
Brazil is entering a new era of smart farming with the rollout of AI-powered agricultural machinery connected via satellite. In a partnership between John Deere and Starlink, the equipment enables real-time data transmission and remote operation, even in regions with limited terrestrial internet. These machines are designed for medium and large-scale farms, allowing precision agriculture practices in previously underserved areas. As satellite access becomes more affordable, adoption is expected to grow rapidly, expanding digital agriculture’s reach across Brazil’s interior. read more
📉 TerraMagna Launches Risk-Focused Spin-Off
AgFinTech pioneer TerraMagna, a Yield Lab Latam portfolio company, has spun off a new business focused on analyzing rural credit risks, eyeing $20 billion in annual ag input financing through resellers. The new arm aims to improve data transparency and reduce default rates by providing precise credit intelligence to suppliers, banks, and cooperatives. It positions TerraMagna as a key player in de-risking Brazil’s ag supply chain. read more
🔍 Broto Survey Highlights Farmer Tech Expectations for 2025
A new survey by Broto—Banco do Brasil’s ag platform connecting farmers with inputs, services, and credit—shows rising optimism among Brazilian producers heading into 2025. Farmers are prioritizing cost reduction, productivity gains, and sustainability, with strong interest in digital tools and biological inputs. Notably, nearly 60% of respondents plan to invest in precision agriculture or new crop technologies this year, signaling a maturing appetite for innovation in rural Brazil. read more
🚀 Embraer and Agrotools Unveil Ag Satellite Insurance Model
A cutting-edge partnership between Embraer’s innovation arm Embraer X and agritech firm Agrotools is set to transform agricultural insurance in Brazil. The new model integrates satellite imagery, remote sensing, and climate intelligence to enhance risk assessment and automate claims processing. By enabling more accurate data-driven evaluations, the solution promises faster payouts and lower premiums, especially beneficial for farmers in high-risk or remote regions. The companies aim to expand access to agri-insurance, which remains underutilized despite Brazil’s climate volatility and vast crop areas. read more
Climate Tech
🧪 HELM Pushes Biologics and Generics in Brazil
German agrochemical firm HELM is ramping up its Brazilian operations with a strategy centered on "turbocharged generics"—enhanced formulations of existing active ingredients—and a fast-growing portfolio of biological inputs. The company already generates around $300 million in annual revenue in Brazil and is targeting double-digit growth by expanding into less saturated regions and crops. HELM’s commercial model includes digital platforms, agronomic services, and precision targeting to improve farmer adoption. Its biologics line alone has grown 60% year-over-year, reflecting Brazil’s accelerating demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals. read more
🧬 Suzano Bets on Cellulose Beyond Paper
Brazilian pulp and paper giant Suzano is doubling down on its role in the global bioeconomy by expanding cellulose applications far beyond traditional paper. The company is developing textiles, biodegradable plastics, medical supplies, and even carbon-negative materials derived from its eucalyptus plantations. Suzano already produces over 11 million tons of pulp annually and is channeling part of its R$16 billion investment plan into R&D for sustainable cellulose-based alternatives. These innovations aim to reduce reliance on fossil-based materials and position Brazil as a key supplier in the global green manufacturing value chain. read more
🌱 What the Green Economy Means for Brazilian Agriculture
A recent article explores how the green economy is reshaping Brazilian agribusiness. Sustainability-linked finance, biodiversity markets, and regenerative agriculture are becoming pillars of the new model. Brazil’s natural assets and early adoption of ESG practices position it to lead the transition to a low-carbon ag economy. read more
🏢 ATVOs and Japanese Startup Invest R$70M in Biochemical Factory
Brazilian bioindustrial firm ATVOs, in collaboration with Japanese startup Green Earth Institute, has invested more than $15 million in a new biochemical plant located in Costa Rica, Mato Grosso do Sul. The facility will focus on producing bio-based inputs such as organic acids and specialty compounds used in low-carbon agriculture. These sustainable inputs aim to replace traditional chemical products, helping reduce emissions and environmental impact in farming. The investment is part of a broader effort to scale up bioeconomy solutions and meet rising demand for eco-efficient agricultural technologies in Brazil and beyond. read more
Funding Rounds
🌳 Mombak Raises R$100M for Reforestation Projects
Carbon removal startup Mombak has secured $20 million in funding for its reforestation projects in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. The capital will support its goal of planting native species across degraded lands and monetizing carbon credits. The raise was part of Brazil’s Climate Fund initiative, drawing attention from impact and institutional investors. read more
Macro & Markets
📈 Ag GDP Up 1.81% in 2024, Led by Services and Livestock
Brazil’s agribusiness GDP jumped 18.1% in 2024, according to CEPEA, driven by a surge in services, agrosupport sectors, and livestock. The performance reflects the ongoing structural evolution of Brazil’s rural economy, with value being added beyond the farmgate. read more
📊 Conab Raises Forecast for Soy and Corn Harvest
Brazil’s national crop agency Conab has raised its soybean and corn production estimates for 2025, citing favorable weather and expanded acreage. The new projections signal continued dominance in global grain markets and growing opportunities for exports and processing. read more
💰 The Man Behind the World’s Largest Coffee Co-op
A profile on Isaac Fereira Leite shows how he built Cooxupé into the world’s largest coffee cooperative, managing over $2 billion in revenue and 19,000 member farmers. The story offers insights into Brazil’s powerful co-op model and how it can scale inclusive ag business. read more
💸 FEX Agro Grows 70% Amid Challenges
Despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, FEX Agro—a rapidly growing ag input distributor and retailer—posted 70% revenue growth in Q1 2025. The company, which focuses on serving mid-sized and small farms with an agile, tech-enabled model, sees continued opportunity in Brazil’s fragmented ag retail market. FEX is investing heavily in digital platforms, last-mile logistics, and data-driven credit solutions to streamline input distribution and deepen farmer relationships. read more
Thats all for this week, thanks for reading,
KFG
Kieran Finbar Gartlan is an Irish native with over 30 years of experience living and working in Brazil. He is Managing Partner at The Yield Lab Latam, a leading venture capital firm investing in Agrifood and Climate Tech startups. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed are strictly his own.