Brazilian science and technology on Filipino plates: A recipe for agricultural development

Contrary to what some may assume, Brazil did not become a major food producer by chance or good fortune alone. Instead, this achievement was built upon decades of rigorous scientific research, technological innovation and strategic investments.

- GILBERTO FONSECA GUIMARÃES DE MOURA

Brazil's agricultural transformation overcame significant challenges, notably food insecurity and heavy reliance on imports, as food imports accounted for nearly a quarter of Brazil's total merchandise imports in 1964. Today, this figure has decreased dramatically to 5.7 percent, as Brazil evolved into a leading global exporter of key agricultural commodities such as soybeans, cotton, coffee and soybean meal and prominent supplier of animal proteins including poultry and beef.

Central to Brazil's progress was the establishment of Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) in 1973, dedicated to advancing agricultural science tailored specifically to tropical environments. Embrapa has created numerous technologies and crop varieties adapted to local conditions, demonstrating that investment in science can substantially boost agricultural productivity. Investments in Embrapa yielded substantial economic returns, significantly boosting Brazil's agricultural productivity and demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustained agricultural research.