Interview with Rodrigo Castro: Sustainable Agriculture and Pasture Restoration in Tocantins
Introduction
In this report, Rodrigo Castro, Brazil Country Director at Solidaridad Network, discusses the complexities and potential of sustainable agriculture and pasture restoration in Tocantins. He emphasizes the critical role of the Soft Commodities Forum (SCF) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eliminating soy-driven deforestation from high-risk landscapes. Rodrigo also highlights the transformative approach of the SCF’s Farmer First Clusters (FFC) initiative in scaling integrated farming systems in the region.
Overview of Solidaridad’s Mission and Goals in Brazil
Q: Can you provide an overview of Solidaridad’s mission and its specific goals in Brazil, especially regarding sustainable agriculture and deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) production, and the role of the SCF in achieving these?
A: In Brazil, Solidaridad has been implementing strategies for the last 15 years to promote the socio-economic inclusion of farmers and foster agricultural production in balance with nature. We provide farmers with technical assistance and support their transition to DCF and low-carbon agricultural systems. The SCF is a strategic partner in advancing Solidaridad’s agenda with the private sector and investors. By investing in more sustainable and responsible food production, the SCF can shape and drive the agenda towards DCF and sustainable production and investment.
The Role of Farmer First Clusters (FFC) Initiative
Q: What role do you see or would like to see in the Farmer First Clusters (FFC) initiative?
A: The Farmer First Clusters aim to promote integrated production systems (ICLF). We want to show farmers that by adopting these systems, they can boost profitability while managing soil health and land more efficiently. In Tocantins, where we support FFC producers and have established integrated production systems demonstration plots, our goal is to help farmers see the opportunity to recover degraded or underproductive pastureland. Brazil has 11 to 12 million hectares of degraded land, mostly pastureland in MATOPIBA, that can be brought back into agricultural production. However, this requires technology, investment, technical assistance, and building trust with farmers. Through demonstration plots, we share knowledge with farmers to make informed choices for their farms.
Addressing Upfront Costs in Transition Years
Q: You highlighted one of the key challenges for producers in transitioning to DCF and sustainable production is the upfront cost. Who should pay for this in those first transition years?
A: Addressing climate change requires collective effort and investment. It’s about strategically investing in solutions and sharing the responsibility across multiple stakeholder groups. For example, low-carbon agriculture initiatives in Brazil funded through public credit lines can be leveraged to bring in investors and de-risk the financial burden on farmers. By creating a framework where everyone contributes, including financial support, technical assistance, and conducive policy environments, collaboration is fostered. This shared responsibility approach ensures that players along the value chain are invested in the outcome.
Understanding Farmers’ Perspectives
Q: What insights would you share for SCF members to better understand farmers’ perspectives?
A: It’s important to focus on sustainable production objectives rather than dictating methods to farmers. With a pre-competitive forum like the SCF, commitment goes beyond individual interests. Companies need to integrate their business and investment models with environmental and climate indicators. Traceability and chain of custody are not enough; we need to envision a future where the business community thrives in harmony with the planet.
Benefits for Cerrado Soy Producers
Q: What would you say to Cerrado soy producers on what they are to gain by joining your programs?
A: Through our initiative, we’re implementing real-world solutions in the field. Our approach involves deploying demonstration plots that showcase the transformation from degraded pastureland to productive agricultural areas. Over a planned timeline, we detail the process of restoring productivity and outline the associated costs and technical assistance required. These plots provide a clear picture of the investment needed and the anticipated returns. By the fourth year, farmers witness firsthand the fruits of their labor as these once-degraded areas are revitalized for grain production. However, achieving this vision requires a conducive investment environment and collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders.
References
- Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems – Portal Embrapa
- Spatial planning for restoration in Cerrado: Balancing the trade‐offs between conservation and agriculture – Schüler – 2022 – Journal of Applied Ecology – Wiley Online Library
- About the theme – Portal Embrapa
- Make Your Farm Resilient and More Profitable with Regenerative Agriculture – Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems – Chico State (csuchico.edu)
- Demonstration farms & their role in sustainable farming projects – Farm Demo Conference – IFOAM Organics Europe
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article discusses sustainable agriculture and the promotion of agricultural production in balance with nature. This aligns with SDG 2, which aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the importance of restoring degraded or underproductive pastureland, which is relevant to SDG 15’s target of halting deforestation and restoring degraded forests.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article emphasizes the role of partnerships, such as the Soft Commodities Forum (SCF), in advancing sustainable agriculture and deforestation-free production. This aligns with SDG 17’s focus on partnerships for sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
The article discusses the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the adoption of low-carbon agricultural systems. This aligns with Target 2.4’s focus on implementing resilient agricultural practices and improving land and soil quality.
Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
The article highlights the importance of restoring degraded pastureland and eliminating soy-driven deforestation. This aligns with Target 15.2’s goal of halting deforestation and restoring degraded forests.
Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
The article emphasizes the role of partnerships, such as the Soft Commodities Forum (SCF), in advancing sustainable agriculture and deforestation-free production. This aligns with Target 17.16’s focus on enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 2.4 of ensuring sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 15.2 of promoting sustainable management of forests and halting deforestation.
Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 17.16 of enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries. | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals |
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Source: wbcsd.org
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