Brazil will present its sustainable agriculture model at COP 27

According to United Nations estimates, the world will reach the mark of 8 billion inhabitants this November. Ensuring food security on the planet, at the same time that the world increases efforts to combat global warming, is one of the central themes to be discussed during the 27th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, COP 27, held between 6 and November 18, in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.

One of the largest food producers in the world, Brazil is on track for another record in grain production and is expected to reach 312,4 million tons, according to the 1st Survey of the 2022/2023 Grain Harvest, released in October by the National Food Company. Supply (Conab). If the projections are confirmed, the country will increase by 41,5 million tons the record obtained in the recently concluded season, when 270,9 million tons were harvested.

Balancing the upward curve of its agricultural production, strengthening its role as a major food exporter, based on sustainable processes has been one of the main concerns of the Brazilian agro-industrial sector. And this will be one of the topics presented by the country at Brazil's stand at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center (SHICC), the stage for COP 27.

A delegation from the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) met last month with representatives of the Federal Government. On the occasion, the ministers of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa), Marcos Montes; of the Environment (MMA), Joaquim Leite; and from Foreign Affairs (MRE), Carlos França, received proposals from the agricultural sector for COP 27.

The document prioritizes points such as the new climate financing target; mechanisms focused on adaptation; action plan for agriculture; operationalization of carbon market mechanisms; in addition to general recommendations to Brazilian negotiators, so that the national agroindustry is increasingly aligned with sustainable production.

Another important point to be highlighted by Brazil at COP 27 is that sustainable agricultural production in the country is supported by the Forest Code, one of the strictest environmental laws in the world and which determines, for example, the preservation of native vegetation on rural properties.

The country also has another important legal instrument: the Sector Plan for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change for the Consolidation of a Low Carbon Emission Economy in Agriculture - ABC Plan.

Created with the purpose of organizing and planning actions for the adoption of low-carbon agricultural technologies, the ABC Plan aims to help Brazil achieve international commitments relating to sustainable development and the fight against climate change, as well as the reducing emissions in the agricultural sector.

These efforts by Brazilian agribusiness are in addition to the commitments made by Brazil during COP 26, held in November 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. On that occasion, the country committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, to zero illegal deforestation by 2028, to the restoration and reforestation of 18 million hectares of forests for multiple use by 2030 and an estimated participation between 45% and 50% renewable energy in the energy matrix in 2030.

Brazil stand at COP 27

At the stand set up by Brazil at COP 27, visitors, in addition to following the lectures and debates promoted by experts from the federal sphere and other entities linked to the conference themes, will have technology as an ally.

The location has a studio for holding face-to-face and online lectures with direct interaction with Brazil and has a simultaneous translation system for English and Portuguese. Virtual reality glasses will allow visitors to take a tour of the Amazon and the stand will also have an immersive area where it will be possible to experience sensations linked to clean energy sources -- wind (wind), heat (solar) and sea noise (offshore wind). , among others.

The structure also has a huge LED screen that will provide images that show Brazil's potential according to the themes presented in each panel. Brazil's stand has the support of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA), the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the Brazilian Micro and Small Support Service Companies (SEBRAE).