Ribeirão Preto leads discussions on innovation and the future of digital agriculture in a scenario of bilateral trade growth
By Pedro Augusto
Home to Agrishow 2026, held between April 27 and May 1, and a hub for a thriving technology agenda, the Ribeirão Preto region in the state of São Paulo is strengthening international ties and emerging as one of Brazil’s leading platforms for discussions on the future of agribusiness. This regional prominence directly reflects the strength of Brazilian agriculture, which continues to achieve record trade results and attract Canada’s strategic interest. The shared goal is to accelerate the sector’s structural transformation through digital agriculture, data intelligence, and rural connectivity.
The maturation of this relationship resulted in historic trade figures at the beginning of this year. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Brazilian exports to the Canadian market grew by 2%, reaching the highest result ever recorded for the period: US$1.83 billion. Agribusiness leads this trade agenda with products that play a major role in the economy, such as green coffee, sugar, and beef.
Within this overall performance, regional leadership is also evident in practice: according to Comex Stat, from the Brazilian Federal Government, Ribeirão Preto exported US$82.4 million in agribusiness products during the first three months of the year, consolidating the region as a key driver of Brazil’s foreign sales.
Meanwhile, Brazil increased imports from Canada by 37%, according to data from Quick Trade Facts, a study conducted by the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC). This growth was driven primarily by Canadian fertilizers, which now account for approximately 44% of the country’s total import portfolio. As a major buyer, the agribusiness hub in São Paulo’s countryside invested more than US$161 million.
The Strategic Role of Fertilizers
This trade relationship has become increasingly complementary and essential to Brazil’s agricultural productivity. As Brazil’s National Fertilizer Plan indicates that the country imports around 85% of the inputs used in agriculture, Brazil depends on strong international partners to ensure supply, stability, and competitiveness in the sector.
Within this context of growing global food security concerns, Canada holds a strategic position as one of the world’s leading potash producers — a critical raw material that enables Brazilian agricultural hubs to maintain high productivity levels.
The CCBC’s Leading Role
It is precisely at the intersection between the demand for inputs and technological potential that the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (CCBC) plays a fundamental role. More than simply monitoring the trade balance, the Chamber works in a practical manner to connect companies, producers, and investors from both countries.
This effort is also gaining momentum within the Ribeirão Preto ecosystem. Through its Agribusiness Committee and regional chapter, the CCBC fosters ongoing dialogue that attracts the interest of international delegations, with the Government of Canada serving as its main partner in these initiatives through its consulates in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Proof of this came in 2026, when Canadian companies participated in an agtech mission to the region promoted by the Canadian Consulate in São Paulo, which focused on bringing precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and sustainability solutions to local producers’ day-to-day operations. The visit was supported by the CCBC through its Ribeirão Preto Chapter.
At Agrishow 2026 — which welcomed approximately 197,000 visitors — the CCBC maintained an active presence, fostering business connections in sectors that are highly strategic for the integration of both markets, including software, machinery, equipment, and, most importantly, the fertilizer industry.
“Brazil and Canada are experiencing a strategic moment in agribusiness, with complementary markets in innovation, food security, and fertilizers,” says Hilton Nascimento, President and one of the coordinators of the CCBC Agribusiness Committee. “In this context, Ribeirão Preto has consolidated itself as the ideal meeting point for discussing the future of agriculture and generating new business opportunities,” he adds.
Next Steps in the Bilateral Agenda
The CCBC’s commitment to leading this transformation will continue throughout 2026. In July, the Chamber will participate in Ag in Motion, a fair held in the province of Saskatchewan and considered one of the leading agribusiness gatherings in North America.
Later, in November, agribusiness will be one of the central themes of the Summit Brazil-Canada 2026, consolidating key discussions on technology, investment, food security, and the future of global agricultural production.
