CNA and Embrapa debate Low Carbon Soy program

The National Commission for Cereals, Fibers and Oilseeds of the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA) met, on Tuesday (08/06), to discuss the Low Carbon Soy Program (SBC), which is being prepared by the Brazilian Company of Agricultural Research (Embrapa Soja).

The objective of the initiative is to create measurable criteria for the management techniques used by the producer in soybean production, with a focus on actions that mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. According to Embrapa Soja researcher, Marco Antônio Nogueira, the program is aimed only at the soy product.

“In addition to quantifying gas emissions, the SBC will further promote soil and water conservation, the rational use of pesticides and pesticides, increasing the efficiency of fertilizer use and encouraging the use of bio-inputs. With this, we will reduce costs, environmental impact and increase productivity”, explained Nogueira.

According to Embrapa, the proposal is to create a Brazilian methodology, based on internationally validated scientific protocols, within two years. “The idea is to help producers certify soybeans that were produced with low carbon emission intensity,” said the general manager of Embrapa Soja, Alexandre Nepomuceno.

“This soy certification will be voluntary, but we need to involve as many producers as possible. Quantifying and exposing the sustainability of Brazilian soybeans to the international market is a fundamental topic. We do not have to follow what other players are doing, but choose the path of leadership”, highlighted the president of the National Commission for Cereals, Fibers and Oilseeds of the CNA, Ricardo Arioli.

For the head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa, Carina Rufino, the biggest beneficiary of the project is the rural producer. “Brazil has the potential to take the lead in these discussions. The SBC is world-class work.”

Although Embrapa Soja is coordinating the process, the construction of the SBC Program methodology will be participatory, involving several actors in the soy production chain. After this stage, certification protocols will be developed through partnerships with internationally recognized certifying bodies.

Soybean and corn price risk management was also discussed during the Commission meeting. Agrinvest analyst Marcos Araújo stated that, for the producer, commercialization success does not depend on their ability to predict the future, but rather on a commercialization plan based on self-discipline and financial management.

“Risk management is an ongoing process that must be closely monitored. Risk is measured in terms of probability and impact. We should evaluate it via qualitative, quantitative analysis or a combination of both,” he said.

President Ricardo Arioli highlighted that the objective of debating the topic is to seek ways to socialize price protection tools for more producers, reducing dependence on signals of the current system of fixed-term contracts.