New impetus for agricultural research

Economic growth depends on productivity and efficiency gains which, in turn, are based on technological progress generated by investments in innovation, research and development of new technologies. And, without a doubt, the excellence of Brazilian agricultural production has been anchored in the increasing gains in productivity and quality resulting from technological innovations adapted to the varied soil and climate situations in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of the work carried out by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa ).

In the period between 1976 and 2021, that is, in the last 45 harvests, while Brazil's grain planted area increased by 88%, total production grew by 447%, denoting the significant increase in productivity, close to 191%. This demonstrates that the country expanded its production with increased efficiency in the use of resources.

It is not without reason that, once again, we are producing a record harvest. According to the closing data for the 2021/2022 Brazilian harvest, collected by the Brazilian Supply Company (Conab), national grain production will be 271,2 million tons, a value that represents an increase of 5,65% or 14,5 million tons above the previous cycle. Despite adverse weather conditions in some producing regions, mainly in the southern states, it is the largest harvest ever.

Going beyond numbers, as the development of Brazilian agriculture is in line with respect for the environment and the well-being of animals and humans. The Brazilian vanguard in the production of clean energy and in the development and use of production technologies that are less aggressive to the environment, such as direct planting, minimum cultivation and the integration of crops, livestock and forestry, make our country a reference and one of the exponents worldwide in the implementation of sustainable production techniques and practices.

We have immense gains in terms of environmental preservation, fewer areas dedicated to crops, due to diversified production, based on gains in productivity and quality, thanks to the use of technology and the permanent professionalization of rural producers.

However, as observed in the federal government's Siop (Integrated Planning and Budget System), Embrapa's investments in research and innovation, which have always revolved around more robust values, above R＄ 1 billion, have been falling in recent years. years. In 2021, the execution of resources closed at around R＄ 248,3 million, far below the historical average.

The data is definitive regarding the significance of agricultural research for the constant promotion and advancement of the national agricultural sector, which today is the great pillar of support for our economy and a determining factor for food security. Our comparative advantages in agricultural production are unquestionable, however, our competitiveness also depends on efficiency and transaction costs throughout the production chain.

Seeking leadership and continuous improvement in terms of productivity, quality, health and efficiency must therefore be a permanent government policy and, to this end, investing in scientific and technological progress is crucial.

Therefore, we see it as essential to support and boost agricultural research so that it is increasingly productive, innovative and capable of efficiently meeting the sector's demands in the field. A more robust and balanced budget aimed at Embrapa and other teaching and research centers and institutions is one of the flags that FAESP defends. Even in difficult periods, such as the recent one, the sector found the strength to expand, offer a variety of quality foods, increase its competitiveness and exports, contributing decisively to global food security and the balance of the Brazilian economy.

Tirso de Salles Meirelles, vice-president of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of São Paulo (FAESP)