The International Agricultural Forum (FIAP), held in Brazil on September 9th, 2024, focused on the critical issue of ensuring global food security while prioritizing sustainability. The event, which precedes the G20 Agro Working Group meeting, brought together key figures from Brazil’s agricultural sector, including the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, and governors from major agricultural states like Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Pará.
In a significant announcement, Minister Fávaro declared the resumption of Brazilian beef exports to Canada and highlighted new market opportunities for Brazilian DDG (Dried Distillers Grains) in Morocco and Colombia. He also firmly refuted the notion of reducing agricultural production, a topic frequently debated internationally, instead advocating for Brazil’s approach of sustainable intensification in degraded areas. “We will increase production in a sustainable way,” Fávaro stated, emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to responsible agricultural practices. “Brazil’s strategy is to intensify production in degraded areas.”
The forum also addressed key challenges facing Brazilian agribusiness. Mauro Mendes, governor of Mato Grosso, outlined three primary concerns: combating illegal deforestation, establishing an effective agricultural insurance system to mitigate climate change impacts, and strengthening Brazil’s response to global demands. “We need to firmly hold the world accountable to the commitments made at every COP,” Mendes emphasized, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental issues.
Helder Barbalho, governor of Pará, a state renowned for its extensive native forest cover (75% of its territory), stressed the significance of bioeconomy investments and the urgency of regulating the carbon market. Barbalho argued that such regulations would empower local communities to generate income through both agriculture and forest conservation. “We must strike a balance between economic, environmental, and social sustainability,” he stated, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to development.
Eduardo Riedel, governor of Mato Grosso do Sul, emphasized the importance of Brazil taking a strong stance in the G20 to reduce trade and environmental barriers. “If we’ve shown we can produce sustainably, we need to assert ourselves,” Riedel remarked. “We can’t overlook critical issues like traceability and the EU’s zero-deforestation requirements.”
Other prominent figures at the session included Jorge Viana, president of APEX, who highlighted the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate change; Daniel Carrara, vice-president of CNA, advocating for improved access to agricultural technologies for small and medium producers; Vilmondes Tomain, president of Famato, reaffirming Mato Grosso’s producers’ commitment to sustainability; and Júlio Cargnino, host and president of Canal Rural, who emphasized the role of G20 Agro in ensuring global food security through international cooperation.
The FIAP event, organized by Canal Rural with support from several organizations, served as a platform to bring key agribusiness issues to the forefront of the G20 agenda. It showcased Brazil’s commitment to sustainable food security and its leadership role in promoting responsible agricultural practices on a global scale.
