Sustainability and classification of soy are among the challenges of the production sector

Around 200 representatives from the soy production chain - government researchers, industry representatives and rural producers - gathered at the Seminar 'Challenges of Brazilian Leadership in the World Soy Market', held on the 8th and 9th of November, at Embrapa Soja , in Londrina (PR). One of the topics that draws attention at the Seminar is the debate on the revision of the official soy classification standard. The general coordinator of plant quality, Hugo Caruso, from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply says that the idea is to propose parameters that can reconcile the expectations of producers, buyers, processors and exporters of soy in Ordinance 532, since the proposal presented in a seminar held in September, in Brasília (DF) it was not accepted. After discussions, the proposal will go to public consultation in order to replace IN 11 of 2007, which defines the official soybean classification standard. “As in previous discussions there was no consensus among chain representatives, we are presenting a new conciliatory proposal. We want to mediate this discussion, but the sector itself is the one who has to decide what is best for the production chain”, he says.

According to researcher Marcelo Álvares de Oliveira, from Embrapa Soja, the objective of the Seminar is to discuss this and other topics that can anticipate solutions to maintain Brazilian leadership in the sector. “We are debating different aspects of the competitiveness of the soybean chain from a technical and legume quality point of view”, he highlights. Other topics covered on the first day of the event highlighted the impacts of biotechnology on Brazilian and global production, the importance of maintaining high protein levels in soybeans and biofuels obtained from vegetable oils, such as biodiesel.

The president of the External Contracts Committee of the Brazilian Association of Cereal Exporters (ANEC), Marcos Amorim, highlights that the seminar is the result of a network of partnerships that understand that the development of Brazilian agribusiness has always been based on the adoption of technologies. “Both the industry that processes the grain, as well as those who export it, understand that the search for improving the quality of Brazilian soybeans must be constant and that we need to invest in technology to reduce challenges and expand opportunities”, he highlights.

For André Nassar, from the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE), among the challenges for the soy production chain are issues related to sustainability and the elimination of deforestation. “Soy buyers, led by Europe, want to know the origin of the soy they are buying. In this way, our activity, which was to buy, process and sell the grain, now also involves tracking the origin of the soybeans”, says Nassar. Another challenge highlighted are issues relating to logistics, especially in relation to grains that are exported through the ports of Pará. “Transporting soy along BR 163, due to the limitations that exist, is a huge challenge and I understand that logistics in this region needs to be more efficient. ", highlights. Furthermore, Nassar points out that it is necessary to recover the proposed levels in the mixture of biodiesel in diesel. “Today the mixture is 10% biodiesel, but we should be at 14%, which caused losses to the sector”, he highlights.

ESG schedule

At the opening conference, the director of sustainable finance Proactiva, Dulce Benke presented the perspectives and impacts on the soy production chain of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, an acronym that corresponds to an organization's environmental, social and governance practices. Benke explained that ESG criteria are related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global initiative by the United Nations (UN) and other international entities. “The adoption of ESG practices entered corporate agendas as determined by the financial sector and demands from different markets. Brazilian soy is part of a global chain and needs to be aware of regulations regarding good environmental, human rights and governance practices to meet the demands of different markets and potential financiers and investors that we want to reach in this chain”, he argues.

Promoted by Embrapa Soja, the seminar has the support of ABIOVE (Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries, ACEBRA (Association of Brazilian Cereal Companies), ANEC (National Association of Cereal Exporters), ASCB (Association of Supervisors and Controllers of Brazil ), OCB (Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives) and Sindirações (National Union of the Animal Feed Industry).

Brazilian soy

Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of soybeans. According to estimates by the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE), the current harvest should surpass the mark of 127 million tons produced and record a historic record in grain processing of 49 million tons. Also noteworthy is the projected revenue from exports of the entire complex (soybeans, oil and bran) for 2022, which should be approximately US$58 billion.

According to forecasts, the 2023 harvest will be even bigger. Recent data released by the National Supply Company (Conab) points to a record production of more than 150 million tons. With the evolution of the productive sector and the great prospects that arise, complex challenges also arise.

Service

Seminar Challenges of Brazilian Leadership in the World Soy Market

Date and time: November 08th – from 08am to 18pm and November 09th – from 08am to 12pm

Location: Embrapa Soja, Londrina (PR) - Rodovia Carlos João Strass, s/nº

Information: www.seminariodesafiosdasoja.com.br