The evolution of sugar cane over the last 40 years and the development of Brazilian agriculture

From 1983 to the present, Brazil has witnessed an incredible transformation in the agricultural sector, going from a food importing country to becoming one of the largest suppliers to the world. Over the last 40 years, the Brazilian agricultural scenario has undergone an impressive metamorphosis and sugar cane has emerged as the protagonist of this transformation. From the era of rudimentary agriculture to today, marked by modernization, sugarcane's journey is full of innovations that not only boosted production, but also redefined the relationship between agribusiness and all parties involved in the production chain.

In the past, Brazilian agriculture was characterized by the predominance of manual labor, with less than 2% of rural properties using agricultural machinery, today we witness harvesters and tractors playing crucial roles in the fields. And still good. Agricultural mechanization was essential to optimize processes and save time, money, resources and improve working conditions for employees. All this considerably increasing the efficiency of the properties.

In parallel with mechanization, awareness of the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become a fundamental pillar in the evolution of sugarcane cultivation. Field workers play a crucial role, so providing them with the tools they need to ensure their safety is a key step. The introduction of PPE has not only mitigated occupational hazards, but also reflects a renewed commitment to the well-being of the agricultural workforce. This is not just a technical evolution, but a tangible expression of respect for those who shape the agricultural landscape.

An emblematic example of this evolution comes from Raízen, a company of which I am proudly part. In addition to being a global reference in bioenergy, we have one of the largest agricultural operations in the world, with 1,3 million hectares of cultivated area and 99% of the harvest is mechanized. Through our program, Elos Raízen, we have reinforced our commitment to issues related to health, safety and the environment. To give you an idea, in the 21’22 harvest, we brought knowledge and tools with this focus to all partners, covering topics such as safe off-season, accommodation guide, training and sustainable work, among other topics. These actions not only boost productivity, but also align with ESG principles, which reflect the commitment to sustainability and social responsibility that we have here.

But the transformations don't stop there. Over these 40 years of evolution in the sector, we have realized that sugar cane offers a series of benefits that go beyond sugar production. Culture, which is versatile by nature, is an inexhaustible source of renewable energy. The production of ethanol, derived from sugarcane, not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, it also acts as a natural absorption agent for this gas, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This duality in its use highlights its vital role in the search for sustainable agricultural practices.

Brazil is the world leader in the production and use of sugarcane ethanol as a biofuel, in addition to being the world's largest producer of sugar, responsible for 36% of global exports. And it is important that we highlight the full potential of sugarcane here, which is a crop long recognized for its role in the manufacture of sugar and ethanol, but also emerging as a leader in the production of other products that have unique sustainable characteristics.

Our products make the most of sugarcane waste, using the circular economy as a tool to generate even more value. It is also worth highlighting its role as a source of renewable energy that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. Among these “unconventional” products, when it comes to sugar cane, the most notable are E2G (second generation ethanol), SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and Green Hydrogen. And the future may bring us even more surprises regarding what can be extracted from a culture as rich as sugarcane.

When we reflect on the last few years of evolution in Brazilian agriculture, especially focused on sugar cane, it becomes clear that progress is not only technical, but also social and environmental. Modernization, driven by mechanization and adoption of PPE, combined with the plant's multifaceted benefits, portrays a vision of the Brazilian agricultural future: sweet and sustainable. The importance attributed to people in the equation is the guarantee that this path is not only efficient, but also ethical and humane.

By Admar Strini Junior, agroindustrial director at Raízen