Goiás allocates R$3,6 million to sustainable innovation in agriculture

The Government of Goiás, through the Goiás State Research Support Foundation (Fapeg) and the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti), in partnership with the Goiano Federal Institute (IF Goiano) and the Research Support Foundation (Funape), will invest R$3,6 million in the Goiás Verde project: Carbon Innovations in Agriculture.

Coordinated by IF Goiano and the Center of Excellence in Exponential Agriculture (Ceagre), the project will create a monitoring system for greenhouse gases and carbon stocks in agroecosystems, promoting scientific and political advances in sustainable agricultural practices.

The project will run until 2026 and includes the installation of flux towers in Rio Verde and Cristalina, field data collection and development of predictive models to assess emissions and carbon sequestration.

With Goiás ranking as the fourth largest grain producer in Brazil, the project reinforces the state's strategic position in leading a more sustainable and competitive agriculture. The actions also include the creation of national and international research networks, human resource training and the generation of innovative technologies such as bioinputs, sensors and drones.

Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation, José Frederico Lyra Netto highlights that sustainable development is a priority for the state government.

“Governor Ronaldo Caiado has prioritized making Goiás the state of innovation and, therefore, we are investing increasingly in technologies and new processes that promote sustainable development. This project will reinforce Goiás as a reference in sustainable agriculture in the country and in the world.”

Strategic vision

According to the president of Fapeg, Marcos Arriel, the project reflects the government's strategic vision of investing in science as a tool for sustainable development.

“Fapeg acts as a catalyst for projects that have the potential to transform the economic and environmental scenario of Goiás. Investing in science and technology for agriculture ensures that our state is prepared to face extreme climate scenarios and strengthen its position in the international market,” he says.

The database that will be built will provide essential information for more assertive decision-making, both by the public and private sectors. “This is an investment that goes beyond research: it is a structuring action that positions Goiás as a protagonist in sustainable agricultural innovation,” adds Arriel.

The Vice-Rector of Research at IF Goiano, Professor Alan Carlos da Costa, highlights the scope of the project. “In addition to measuring the impacts of climate change on agricultural production, it will be possible to apply management and techniques that reduce the impacts of agricultural activities on the climate. With this structure, we can characterize the region’s climate parameters with high resolution, meet international ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals and, at the same time, offer alternatives that promote sustainability and productive stability for farmers,” he explains.

The idea is to expand conservation management areas, increasing carbon sequestration in the soil and contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gases. In addition, practices such as direct planting and the reduction of chemical inputs can generate savings for farmers, in addition to the possibility of passive income through the sale of carbon credits.

The project directly contributes to the fulfillment of five UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides benefits for producers and society, such as cost reduction, improved soil quality and the opportunity to generate carbon credits.

The results will be widely disseminated in technical-scientific events, academic publications and guidance materials for the productive sector, consolidating Goiás as a reference in innovative and sustainable agriculture.