Our Perspective
Monsanto Brazil Helps Set New Standards for Sustainable Agriculture
By Whitney Sparks
Posted 4 months ago
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In a recent interview, the head of Monsanto Brazil's Sustainable Agriculture efforts, Gabriela Burian, explained the philosophies and policies that have helped Brazilian farmers dramatically increase agricultural production, while conserving resources and navigating an increasingly complex set of environmental considerations.
Q: First, how would you describe the term "sustainable agriculture" to the average city dweller? In South America, what role does Monsanto play in promoting this kind of sustainable approach?
A: Sustainable agriculture is the process of producing food today while preserving the natural resources we need to ensure food production for the next generation. And this is what we do at Monsanto. The average city dweller wants and needs more explanation about how the planet can sustainably produce enough food to feed us all, using the resources we currently have. It's a complicated issue and an open dialogue is crucial.
Q: Monsanto Brazil is helping to launch "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity" next year. What is this program and why is it so important to Monsanto?
A: This Program was prepared by environmental branch of the United Nations and is about finding the economic value of ecosystem and biodiversity. This is important for our agricultural customers and for Monsanto because it is at the heart of our desire to protect biodiversity. Biodiversity in our ecosystems provide the water, air and soil we need to grow food. We need to have the value of these resources built into our economy in order to protect and utilize them wisely.
Q: It seems that Brazilian business interests in general are very forward thinking about the correct balance between economic development and biodiversity. Why do think this is, and what can other countries lean from your example?
A: Brazil is a very biodiverse and biorich country. We have approximately 17% of the world's drinkable water, and 20% of the world's animal and plant species. Right now, about half of the country's land is undeveloped. The so-called developed countries created their economies in an era of industrialization when they didn't worry about things like deforestation. Now the planet needs to preserve more of its dwindling resources and developing countries such as Brazil are being asked to find a new way to produce while preserving. This is the new paradigm and this is an opportunity for all.
Q: Brazil has emerged as the new breadbasket to the world. What resources-natural, human or scientific-have allowed this huge growth in production?
A: Brazil's natural resources-some of which I mentioned before-are the foundation on which we produce food. In addition, our scientific investment and education have played a big role. We know there's still a lot to do, but companies like Monsanto are adding tremendous value in the form of scientific advancements and education, which allows us to get more from the natural resources were using.
Q: What global and regional trends are driving the increased demand for agricultural production in Brazil?
A: The increase of the world's population and the rising incomes in developing countries are the two biggest factors. Secondary factors include climate change and the availability of natural resources. All of this is pressuring countries where it's still possible to produce more in order to supply the world food and feed needs.
