Brazil has emerged as the world’s leading “breadbasket” region, uniquely positioned to meet the anticipated 60% increase in global food demand over the next decade, according to a new report by the US-based think tank Atlantic Council. This accolade places Brazil at the forefront of global food security, but it also underscores the critical need for strategic investments and policy decisions to sustain this role through 2050.
The report emphasizes that Brazilian leaders in both public and private sectors must make informed choices and investments to maintain the country’s innovative edge while preserving the natural ecosystems that support its thriving agricultural sector. This dual approach is essential for Brazil to continue being a reliable food producer and exporter. To achieve this, food producers must have access to markets, incentives, technical support, and capital to adopt advanced farming and ranching practices. These practices not only increase production but also reward nature-positive actions.
Investment in digital agriculture solutions, robotics, and automation is also crucial. Brazil is already a leader in some areas of agricultural technology (agtech). For instance, the country’s regulatory framework that facilitates the rapid deployment of crop biologicals has led to a booming business in this sector. Additionally, Brazil is a global superpower in no-till farming, a key component of regenerative agriculture. However, challenges such as curbing deforestation and mitigating the impacts of industrial agriculture remain. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, potentially affecting Brazil’s production and trade capabilities and the global food system at large.
To address these challenges and capitalize on its potential, the Atlantic Council outlines six key recommendations for Brazil:
1. **Commitment to Global Food Security:** Policymakers must stay committed to global food security, especially during geopolitical upheavals and climate-driven droughts. Ensuring food can move across borders and avoiding protectionist measures are crucial. Brazil’s upcoming roles as host of the 2024 G20 summit and COP30 in 2025 offer significant platforms to demonstrate this commitment.
2. **Infrastructure Investments:** Enhancing infrastructure such as roads, railways, storage facilities, and ports is essential for Brazil to become a more competitive agricultural exporter, particularly for major crops like soybeans.
3. **Scaling Regenerative Agriculture:** Partnerships with the government can incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, and integrated pest management systems. These practices are vital for sustainable agriculture.
4. **Utilizing Degraded Pastureland:** The report highlights that about 28 million hectares of Brazil’s degraded pastureland could be converted to grain production, increasing total grain output without further deforestation or habitat loss. This approach leverages existing arable land to boost agricultural productivity.
5. **Expanding Double Cropping:** In tropical regions with year-round growing conditions, double cropping has significantly increased grain production. Expanding this practice across more farmland can enhance agricultural output and reduce the pressure to convert forested land into agricultural use. This method also offers the potential for lower carbon intensity food production.
6. **Water-Efficient Irrigation:** As climate change leads to more frequent droughts, adopting water-efficient irrigation systems is critical. Brazil should prioritize these systems in regions that can sustainably support water withdrawals from underground and surface sources.
The Atlantic Council’s report underscores Brazil’s current status as an essential and reliable global breadbasket. However, to enhance resilience and meet future demands, Brazil must strategically prepare its domestic capabilities with the support of both the private sector and the international community. The path forward involves balancing technological innovation with ecological preservation, ensuring that Brazil continues to be a cornerstone of global food security in the decades to come.