Brazil’s largest agrochemical manufacturer: Nortox celebrates 70 years

Nortox, a Brazilian agrochemical company headquartered in the state of Paraná, has completed 70 years of operation, holding the position of the largest agricultural pesticide manufacturer in the tropical country. Additionally, it is the only Brazilian agribusiness company operating in three business platforms: pesticides, granulated micro-fertilizers, and hybrid corn and sorghum seeds.

‘Nortox‘s history is defined by its consistent presence alongside farmers, boasting a skilled field team and robust support system ensuring top-notch products and services.’ says Administrative Director Roberto Amaral.

Founded in 1954, when Brazil was not yet an agricultural powerhouse, Nortox began its journey focused on coffee cultivation – which at the time was the main source of wealth in the country. In this scenario, young entrepreneur Osmar Amaral founded Nortox on April 14th with just one product in the catalog, aimed at combating the coffee berry borer – one of the main threats to coffee plantations.

According to João Marcos Ferrari, Commercial Director of Nortox, the company’s DNA remains to produce cutting-edge agrochemicals, competitive and safe solutions for farmers. “The major contribution of the commercial area in recent years has been to develop a portfolio of exclusive products, such as the fungicide Scudeiro and the herbicide Arkeiro, recently launched and very well received by the market,” he says.

Both products have been proven effective in more than 20 research institutions in Brazil, in consultations and cooperative trials. “Nortox doesn’t merely sell active ingredients; it offers solutions to farmers. Adhering to this principle, we meticulously test various combinations to deliver the optimal product,” Ferrari explains.

INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Nortox has become renowned in its 70-year history for innovation and sustainability. An example of this was when it began and dominated the synthesis of Trifluralin in Brazil in the 1970s. In the following decade, it broke the synthesis patent and produced the herbicide Glyphosate in the country, reducing costs and directly contributing to making no-tillage farming viable – the technique that turned Brazil into one of the world’s largest players in agribusiness.

Furthermore, Nortox has also become a reference in sustainability: Last year, the company saved 1,300 tons of BPF oil (derived from petroleum). Vapor production was made by replacing it with 11,500 cubic meters of reforested wood.

Nortox also sponsors socio-environmental projects such as Olho D’Água, a partnership with cooperatives for the preservation of aquifer water sources. With the motto “Nortox. Yesterday, today, and always in tomorrow’s agriculture,” the company aims to grow even further.

“It’s time to reflect on the paths that have brought us here and also on the new challenges and the role that Nortox plays in the market today,” says Lucas Morais, Marketing – Communication Coordinator.

Founder Osmar Amaral passed away four years ago, but before that, he summed up his journey at Nortox: “The feeling is one: that of duty fulfilled.” The Nortox team affirms that his legacy continues to be the great inspiration to persevere in the constant pursuit of improvement.