“Soybean farmers have different reasons for adopting low-carbon practices, but increased yields and greater resilience…”
Camila Santos is a carbon specialist and project coordinator of the Soybean Program of Fundação Solidaridad, has a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in soil science from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, with a degree in agronomy.
Camila Santos, project coordinator at Fundação Solidaridad
AgriBrasilis – Is it more expensive to produce low-carbon soybeans?
Camila Santos – Not necessarily. However, an initial investment is required to implement these practices, in addition to a period of adaptation until the benefits are perceived. Over time, these changes tend to increase the efficiency of the system, improve yields and, consequently, reduce production costs and increase profits, making the initial costs viable.
AgriBrasilis – What financial mechanisms are there for implementing low-carbon emission practices in MATOPIBA region (agricultural frontier area of Brazil that includes the States of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia)?
Camila Santos – There are some lines of credit available to farmers, such as those aimed at the No Tillage System, pasture recovery and improvement of soil fertility. However, more attractive lines of credit, such as those of the ABC Plan (low carbon agriculture program) and other subsidized ones, often face limitations, either due to the scarcity of resources or bureaucracy in the processes, which can hinder access and often prevent all farmers from being served. In addition, it is important to emphasize that the availability of these lines of credit can vary significantly between the different producing regions. There is also a gap in the implementation of mechanisms that significantly reward farmers who adopt good agricultural practices.
“Emissions can be reduced through a combination of sustainable agricultural practices, appropriate management, and innovative technologies…”
AgriBrasilis – What motivates soybean farmers to adopt these practices?
Camila Santos – Soybean farmers have different reasons for adopting low-carbon practices, but increased yields and greater resilience of production to variations in rainfall patterns are the main ones.
AgriBrasilis – How can carbon emissions be reduced in soybean areas in the region?
Camila Santos – Emissions can be reduced through a combination of sustainable agricultural practices, appropriate management, and innovative technologies. Some effective strategies include the adoption of No Till farming, crop rotation, use of cover crops, efficient application of fertilizers, implementation of integrated production systems, such as ILP (Integrated Crop-Livestock System) or ILPF (Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System), precision agriculture, and the use of renewable energy and bioinputs. These practices not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions, but also promote carbon sequestration, improve soil health, conserve natural resources, and increase yields. Furthermore, they make soybean production more resilient and competitive in the international market, where sustainability is increasingly valued.
AgriBrasilis – How has land use and occupation changed in the Matopiba States since the first studies performed by Solidaridad?
Camila Santos – Since the study carried out by Solidaridad on the potential for soybean expansion in MATOPIBA, launched in 2021, we have observed a significant change in the dynamics of land use and occupation in the region. In the initial analyzed period, between 2013/14 and 2018/19, most of the soybean expansion (80.8%) occurred in areas which were already converted to human uses, while only 19.2% advanced over native vegetation. This data was encouraging, as it indicated predominantly responsible land use, with less negative pressure on areas of natural vegetation.
However, the most recent data show a worrying trend. Between 2019/20 and 2022/23, 42% of soybean expansion in MATOPIBA occurred over native vegetation, corresponding to 920 thousand hectares, showing a significant increase in deforestation for conversion into agricultural areas. In addition, the average annual expansion rate in the most recent period reached 1.457 million hectares, a growth much higher than the averages observed in previous periods. This scenario reinforces MATOPIBA’s role as the epicenter of agricultural expansion in the Cerrado, but also highlights the growing environmental impacts.
AgriBrasilis – What were the other conclusions of the Foundation’s Economic Studies on soybean farming in MATOPIBA?
Camila Santos – The studies analyzed soybean expansion models in each State in the region, evaluating different economic approaches to ensure sustainable expansion of the crop. The research concluded that there is no single mechanism capable of driving the adoption of sustainable practices in soybean farming in MATOPIBA, nor of directing productive expansion efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended to combine financial instruments, such as Payment for Environmental Services (PSA), carbon credits and Rural Product Bonds (CRA), with non-financial instruments, such as technical assistance and the introduction of Brachiaria, to:
- Increase yields;
- Reduce the need for expansion into areas of native vegetation;
- Cover the opportunity cost for farmers seeking to expand their operations.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of actions such as public-private partnerships, cooperation programs and collaboration networks that promote access to differentiated markets and innovative technologies. Public policies and regulations should also prioritize the use of already open areas, ensuring more sustainable and responsible expansion.
AgriBrasilis – Why is the current model for expanding soybeans in the States of Bahia and Tocantins not considered attractive?
Camila Santos – The current model presents a negative return, mainly due to the high investment cost in the first years of soybean cultivation, combined with high operating costs. In contrast, the other expansion models analyzed — acquisition of areas with excess vegetation in the State of Bahia and expansion over excess native vegetation on the property in the State of Tocantins — demonstrated more favorable economic indicators.
In the case of the State of Tocantins, the economic viability of expansion over areas of native vegetation stands out, since the price of these lands is significantly lower than that of lands designated for pasture or agriculture. These data point to an increase in the value of already cleared lands, which can stimulate the conversion of areas of native vegetation into new productive areas. This scenario reinforces the need for effective public policies and greater organization of the agricultural sector, essential measures to reduce pressure on the Cerrado, contributing to its preservation and sustainability in the long term.
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