The International Agricultural Forum (FIAP), held in Cuiabá, Brazil, saw a pivotal moment on September 9, 2024, with an international panel bringing together leaders from the European Union, the United States, Japan, Chile, and Mercosur. The panel, titled “New Rules and Models to Ensure Global Food Security,” focused on the critical issues of food security and climate change.
The European Union’s Counselor in Brazil, Laurent Javaudin, opened the discussion by outlining the European Green Deal, a legislative framework aimed at achieving climate neutrality and combating hunger. He explained that the Green Deal, initially implemented for European producers, would eventually be required of countries exporting to the European Union. Javaudin highlighted the EU’s commitment to biodiversity preservation, animal welfare, and sustainable production.
He also praised Brazil’s advancements in agriculture over the past 50 years, acknowledging the country’s crucial role in ensuring global food security. However, he emphasized the need for Brazil to collaborate with the EU as a strategic partner to ensure the success of the Green Deal legislation. Javaudin stressed the importance of global collaboration, noting that the regulations were designed for countries lacking comprehensive environmental policies.
The message of cooperation was echoed by Frederick Giles, Agricultural Attaché of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), who highlighted the partnership between the University of Florida and Embrapa in bio-input research. This collaboration aims to promote more sustainable production methods worldwide. Giles stressed the desire to work together with Brazil to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
Other panelists included Gabriel Delgado, representing the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and coordinator of the Mercosur Agricultural Council, who presented statistics on hunger and malnutrition worldwide and advocated for genetic engineering to boost agricultural production. Ricardo Moyano, Chile’s Agricultural Attaché, emphasized the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and women, in the food security pact. Ritsuko Yoneda, Director of Multilateral Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, expressed concern about food security, given Japan’s reliance on imports for two-thirds of its food consumption. Finally, Laudemir Muller, Agribusiness Manager at Apex, stated that Brazil stands uniquely positioned to contribute to the four major global challenges: food production, clean energy, carbon capture, and climate change mitigation.
The event also saw the presentation of a report from the B20 Task Force on Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture, presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro. The report, developed by 139 individuals from 22 countries and 14 sectors, stressed the importance of increasing agricultural productivity sustainably to address global hunger. Gilberto Tomazoni, B20 Task Force Chair and Global CEO of JBS, emphasized the need for transformative changes in agri-food systems, including the adoption of advanced technologies like biotechnology, regenerative agriculture, and digital technology. He also acknowledged the economic, technical, and social challenges associated with these transformations, particularly in convincing stakeholders of the necessity for change. Tomazoni stressed the crucial role of financial systems in understanding and supporting the transition, requiring differentiated rates and insurance to mitigate risks. He highlighted environmental service payments as a vital tool for making such financing more accessible and feasible.
Roberto Perosa, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture, cited Renovabio, a sustainable financing initiative, as a model for supporting these changes. He emphasized Brazil’s leadership role in promoting sustainable practices and offering incentives for a strategic shift in agriculture.
Upon receiving the report, Minister Fávaro expressed concern about the ongoing fires in Brazil and hoped that the visit of authorities to Mato Grosso for the G20 meeting would raise awareness and lead to a global commitment to address climate change. He concluded by reaffirming Brazil’s dedication to leading the way in food production and sustainable practices, aiming to make the outcomes of the FIAP meeting a milestone for the next 50 years.
