Uma análise da gestão da cadeia de suprimentos de fertilizantes na agricultura brasileira de soja

Abstract

The agriculture faces the great challenge of ensuring food security for a population that could reach 9.15 billion people in the upcoming decades. Brazil assumes a leading role in addressing this challenge as one of the main food suppliers to the world. The availability of natural resources, adoption of public policies, rural credit provision, investments in R&D, workforce development, financing of machinery and equipment, and the application of Industry 4.0 technologies have contributed to the development of the national agribusiness, leading Brazil to stand out, particularly in soybean production and supply. However, increased productivity has led to a significant increase in fertilizer consumption. The domestic industry falls far short of meeting local demand, forcing the country to heavily depend on imported inputs. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, has impacted the global fertilizer supply chain, exposing Brazil to price volatility and supply restrictions, posing a risk to Brazilian agribusiness. In this context, the Brazilian government has instituted the New National Fertilizer Plan, with medium and long-term objectives to reduce dependence on imported inputs. Similar plans have been created in the past and failed due to a lack of financial incentives and public policies, privatization of the national fertilizer industry, and facilitation of imported inputs. Effective supply chain management is essential to ensure input supply, thereby guaranteeing the productivity and competitiveness of the Brazilian agricultural product. Through a qualitative approach, from the perspective of SCM and Contingency Theories, this study aims to present a systemic analysis demonstrating how the elements and dimensions related to supply chain management can influence the development of the Brazilian fertilizer industry. The results obtained through systematic literature review and expert interviews contributed to the identification and validation of elements and dimensions, generating a rich discussion and development of an analysis on the development of the national fertilizer industry