CABI Blog

The CABI BioProtection Portal – the largest open-access global resource for registered biocontrol and biopesticide products and information – has been highlighted at a rural pharmacies event in Brasília, Brazil.

The term ‘Rural pharmacy’ refers to the concept of broadening the availability of registered and recommended plant protection products – both chemical and biological – for crops that traditionally lack sufficient regulatory support.

The event – entitled ‘Rural Pharmacy: Advances, Challenges, and Priorities for Minor Crops,’ and organized by the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA) – focused on key themes, including innovation, regulatory harmonization, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), and regional prioritization of phytosanitary needs.

Important role in food security and marketing

Attendees from 15 countries exchanged experiences, challenges, and solutions for expanding plant protection technologies to minor crops, which represent a significant portion of Brazilian and Latin American agricultural production and play an important role in food security and marketing.

It also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, scientific data generation, and capacity building to support sustainable agriculture and food safety.

Dr Yelitza Colmenarez, CABI’s Centre Director, Brazil, was invited to present the CABI BioProtection portal and CABI Digital Tools as part of the event which was created to promote dialogue between representatives of the productive sector, research institutions, pesticide registration industries, and government agencies in Brazil.

Transforming the way farmers and agronomists access biological solutions for pest management

Dr Colmenarez said, “The CABI BioProtection Portal is transforming the way farmers and agronomists access biological solutions for pest management, reinforcing global efforts toward sustainable agriculture. By offering free, country-specific information on registered biopesticides, the portal enables users to identify safer, low-toxicity alternatives to conventional pesticides.

“This tool is especially valuable for smallholder farmers and minor crops, where access to approved products is often limited. Supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, the portal helps reduce chemical residues, protect pollinators and natural enemies, and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

“As demand for environmentally responsible production grows, the CABI BioProtection Portal stands out as a practical and science-based resource for achieving food safety and sustainability goals.”

Vital yet often underrecognized role in safeguarding global food security

Smallholder farmers and minor crops play a vital yet often underrecognized role in safeguarding global food security. Representing over 80% of the world’s agricultural producers, small farmers are responsible for cultivating a diverse range of crops that are essential for local diets, nutrition, and cultural heritage.

These minor crops—such as cassava, millet, okra, and indigenous vegetables—are often more resilient to climate stress and better adapted to local conditions, making them critical in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Dr Colmenarez added, “Despite their importance, small farmers frequently face limited access to agricultural inputs, market opportunities, and pest management solutions. This gap threatens the productivity and sustainability of minor crops, which are key to dietary diversity and rural livelihoods.

“Strengthening support for smallholder agriculture through inclusive policies, research investment, and tools like the CABI BioProtection Portal can empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices and improve yields without compromising environmental health.

“Recognizing and investing in small farmers and minor crops is not just a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative for building resilient food systems and achieving global food security.”

She added that the event – supported by organizations such as the Minor Use Foundation, IICA, and Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) – provided a great opportunity to interact with specialists and National Plant Protection Officers from different countries that participated, exploring potential lines of collaboration and evaluating the inclusion of new countries as part of the CABI BioProtection Portal.

Additional information

Main image: Dr Yelitza Colmenarez was invited to present the CABI BioProtection portal and CABI Digital Tools at the rural pharmacies event in Brasília, Brazil.

CABI BioProtection Portal

The CABI BioProtection Portal is the largest, free global resource for biological pest management. The Portal’s mission is to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of bioprotection among growers and advisors. It offers a comprehensive, searchable directory of nationally registered biocontrol and biopesticide crop protection products, along with detailed guidance to help agricultural advisors and growers source and effectively incorporate these sustainable natural products into integrated pest management programmes.