3.3 Sectors in Brazil Constituting the Bioeconomy
Brazil, a prominent economic power in Latin America and the Caribbean, holds a significant position in global agriculture and industry. It ranks as the fourth largest agricultural producer worldwide, excelling in commodities like coffee, sugarcane, citrus, soybeans, beef, and poultry. The country has witnessed substantial progress in reducing poverty over the years, yet regional disparities persist, especially in rural areas like the Northeast. Economic challenges stemming from a severe recession in 2014 have hindered poverty reduction efforts, leading to an increase in the impoverished population by approximately 2 million between 2016 and 2017. While the agricultural sector contributes 5 percent to Brazil’s GDP, it showcases a division. Corporate agriculture in export commodities contrasts with family farming, which faces economic obstacles and higher poverty rates, particularly in regions like the Northeast and North. IFAD, focusing on rural development, concentrates efforts in the Northeast’s semi-arid Sertão region. Their initiatives primarily revolve around enhancing family farming by providing access to services, strengthening organizations, and fostering market connections. Targeting marginalized groups, IFAD’s activities promote organic farming, water conservation, participatory planning, and policy dialogue, emphasizing the empowerment of women and youth. The overarching goals of IFAD’s involvement in Brazil encompass knowledge sharing, networking, and policy dialogue. Through these efforts, they aim to disseminate lessons learned, promote innovative and sustainable practices, and uplift rural communities across the country. Brazil, as one of the world’s largest countries, boasts extensive land, ample freshwater reserves, abundant solar energy, and a diverse ecosystem. This varied landscape, combined with technological advancements, has facilitated the country’s emergence as a major global producer of food, fibers, and renewable fuels. The transformation of Brazil’s agriculture since the 1970s owes much too focused government policies. These policies fostered increased research and development, facilitated credit access, improved infrastructure, and optimized the management and distribution of agricultural products. Consequently, resource allocation became more efficient, productivity surged, product quality improved, and food prices decreased. Recognizing the environmental impact of agriculture, Brazil’s agricultural research system rapidly advanced to develop safer and sustainable farming methods. The country has committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the agricultural sector by 4.9 to 6.1 percent by 2020. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Agriculture Program under the Agricultural and Livestock Plan 2010-2011 aim to promote eco-friendly agronomic practices without compromising productivity. In Brazil, integrated farming systems, harmonizing crop, livestock, and forestry, are gaining traction, efficiently utilizing resources. These developments signify the country’s alignment with the emerging Bioeconomy—an innovative concept centered on sustainable utilization of biological resources across economic sectors, particularly in food and agriculture. Future agriculture will transcend conventional methods, embracing multifunctionality and advanced technologies. The evolution of global agricultural standards will be shaped by recent scientific breakthroughs. To ensure sustainability and a more nutritious food supply, agriculture must embrace advanced technologies and creative utilization of genetic diversity, integral to Bioeconomy development. Scientific progress across various fields—genomics, nanotechnology, and information technology—augurs well for addressing agricultural challenges. Biological advancements offer insights into intricate mechanisms within plants, animals, and microorganisms, paving the way for innovations in agricultural practices, diversification, enhanced productivity, and higher-quality, safer food—an imperative for a sustainable future. (Lopes, 2014)
Between 2010 and 2021, Brazil’s food market revenue saw significant growth, nearly tripling in value to over 922 billion Brazilian reals in the latest period. This sector accounted for nearly eleven percent of the country’s GDP in 2021, ranking among the highest-grossing globally. The major players in Brazil’s food and beverage industry primarily focus on food processing, especially meat production, owing to the country’s expansive agricultural landscape and substantial animal processing operations. Brazil’s agricultural land has notably expanded in recent years, with harvested agricultural land reaching approximately 86 million hectares in 2021. This expansion has contributed to the country’s deforestation concerns. Both pasture and cultivated land collectively constituted 28.3 percent of Brazil’s total area in 2020, reflecting the growth in agricultural activities, albeit alongside environmental challenges, notably deforestation.
Brazil, holding the prestigious position of the second-largest producer of biotech crops globally, has received approvals for an impressive 105 events. Looking ahead to the 2022/2023 crop season, FAS Brasilia projects a substantial 65 million hectares to be planted with genetically engineered (GE) traits. Remarkable adoption rates of 99 percent for soybeans, 95 percent for cotton, and a significant 99 percent for corn indicate the widespread acceptance and integration of biotechnology into Brazil’s agricultural landscape. The consistent utilization of biotechnology seeds stands out as a key driver of yield expansion in Brazil since its incorporation into farming practices. This sustained use has significantly contributed to the country’s agricultural growth.
Responsible for evaluating the safety of groundbreaking technologies, including GE animal technology, genome editing (such as CRISPR technology), and microbial biotechnology, the National Technical Commission (CT Bio) plays a pivotal role in Brazil’s scientific assessments. Beyond the realm of GE plants, this comprehensive report offers detailed insights into these emerging technologies, showcasing Brazil’s commitment to technological advancement and safety protocols. CT Bio’s efforts encompass not only assessing the safety and efficacy of these technologies but also ensuring their compatibility with Brazil’s diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices. This multifaceted evaluation process emphasizes the importance of safeguarding environmental sustainability while embracing technological innovation. The comprehensive nature of this report extends beyond regulatory approvals, delving into the nuanced aspects of these innovative technologies. It provides invaluable updates on their development, implementation, and potential impacts, offering a comprehensive understanding of Brazil’s strides in the realm of biotechnology. As Brazil continues to pioneer advancements in biotechnology, these insights serve as a testament to the nation’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and cutting-edge agricultural sector. Through stringent evaluations and comprehensive reporting, Brazil remains at the forefront of responsible biotechnological integration, setting a standard for innovation in the global agricultural landscape.