“Embrapa, Brazil’s agricultural research agency, is embarking on a groundbreaking 12-year research program focused on cannabis cultivation. This initiative aims to leverage Embrapa’s successful track record in turning Brazil into a major grains exporter to now propel the country’s cannabis industry to new heights. Embrapa scientists, renowned for their genetic advancements in grains, cotton, and vegetables suitable for Brazil’s tropical climate, are eagerly awaiting approval from the health agency Anvisa to kick off the cannabis research program.
Daniela Bittencourt, a key researcher in Embrapa’s cannabis work group, envisions the potential impact of applying genetic improvement techniques to cannabis akin to the progress made in cotton breeding over the past five decades. Embrapa’s strategic plans involve establishing a cannabis seed bank, developing cannabis varieties tailored to the Brazilian soil and climate, and facilitating the creation of regional cannabis production centers across the country.
Bittencourt revealed that a considerable number of both domestic and international companies have expressed interest in collaborating with Embrapa on cannabis research endeavors. These companies are eyeing various applications for cannabis, including medicinal and food products, as well as exploring traits that could enhance crop rotation practices and contribute to carbon sequestration in soil.
Drawing parallels to Embrapa’s transformative efforts in the 1970s that revolutionized soybean farming in Brazil, the agency aims to replicate this success with cannabis. Notably, a recent landmark court ruling in November legalized the cultivation of hemp, a low-THC cannabis variant, for medicinal purposes in Brazil. Anvisa has been mandated to establish regulatory frameworks by May, with a court hearing scheduled to address a potential extension of this deadline.
While recreational marijuana remains prohibited in Brazil, the legalization of hemp cultivation marks a significant step towards harnessing the plant’s therapeutic and industrial potential. Kiara Cardoso, the founder of DNA Solucoes em Biotecnologia, emphasized the future prospects of large-scale hemp production in Brazil to supply industries such as paper, textiles, and food. At present, stringent cultivation guidelines may confine hemp farming to controlled indoor spaces that adhere to pharmaceutical-grade standards.
Notably, China, Brazil’s leading trade partner, stands as the world’s primary producer and exporter of hemp, with countries like France and Paraguay also endorsing hemp cultivation for industrial and medicinal applications. As Brazil ventures into this new chapter of cannabis cultivation, Embrapa’s innovative research program promises to reshape the nation’s agricultural landscape and unlock the untapped potential of this versatile plant.”
