Interview with 罗德里戈•卡斯特罗: Solidaridad网络 Country Director in Brazil

“通过我们的倡议, we're not just conceptualizing ideas; we're implementing real-world solutions on the ground” 

In this interview, 罗德里戈•卡斯特罗, Brazil Country Director at Solidaridad网络, delves into the complexities and potential surrounding sustainable agriculture and pasture restoration in 托坎廷斯河. He emphasizes the critical role of engagement with platforms such as the 软商品论坛 (SCF), whose goal is to eliminate soy-driven deforestation from high-risk landscapes.  In this article, Rodrigo also highlights the SCF’s 农民优先集群(FFC)倡议 as a transformative approach to scaling integrated farming systems in the region.  

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, 以及SCF在实现这些目标方面的作用?  

在巴西, we have been implementing strategies for the last 15 years that specifically focus on promoting the socio-economic inclusion of farmers and fostering agricultural production in balance with nature. We support farmers with technical assistance and with adoption and transition to DCF and low-carbon agricultural systems.   

The SCF is a strategic partner and catalyst in advancing Solidaridad’s agenda with the private sector and among investors. By investing in the transition to more sustainable and responsible food production, the SCF can have a catalytic effect in terms of influence, by shaping and driving the agenda toward DCF and sustainable production and 投资.   

Q: What role do you see or would like to see in the 农民优先集群(FFC)倡议?   

We're aiming for the Farmer First Clusters to promote integrated production systems (ICLF ^[0]. 我们的想法是通过这样做向农民们展示, they can boost their profitability while managing their soil health and land more efficiently. 在托坎廷斯河, where we are supporting FFC producers and have established integrated production systems demonstration plots, the goal is to help farmers see the opportunity to recover degraded or underproductive pastureland^[1].  

在巴西, we have 11 to 12 million hectares of degraded land, mostly pastureland in MATOPIBA ^[2], that is currently underproductive or abandoned. Imagine so many hectares being brought back into agricultural production! 当然，这并不容易. 这需要技术, 投资, 以及技术援助, 更不用说与农民建立信任了.    

在我们对这些地块的实地考察中, we sit down with farmers and go through the 成本 and benefits openly – from what they're spending on things like fertilizer to the upfront 投资s needed. 通过这样做, 我们帮助农民把握真正的挑战, 成本, and benefits of transitioning to integrated systems and expanding soy over degraded land. 通过这些示范情节, we share with farmers the knowledge they need to make smart choices for their farms.   

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? ^[3] 

这是我们一直在努力解决的问题, as we move forward with initiatives like the Farmer First Clusters and strategic landscape approaches. Addressing climate change requires a systemic change that transcends individual actions and requires collective effort and 投资. It's not just about throwing money at the problem; it's about strategically investing in solutions and sharing the responsibility across multiple stakeholder groups.   

Take the example of low-carbon agriculture initiatives in Brazil, funded through public credit lines. How can we leverage these resources and bring in investors to de-risk the financial burden on farmers transitioning to sustainable practices?   

It's about setting up a framework where everyone contributes in their own capacity, 无论是通过财政支持, technical assistance or creating conducive policy environments. This shared responsibility approach fosters collaboration and creates a win-win situation where players along the whole value chain and beyond are invested in the outcome.   

Q: What insights would you share, for SCF members to better understand farmers’ perspectives?   

It's not just about dictating methods to farmers; rather, it's about focusing on sustainable production objectives. With a pre-competitive forum like the SCF, your commitment goes beyond individual interests. The problem today is that we still have a commercial agenda that operates separately from the climate and sustainability agenda. Companies need to integrate their business and 投资 models with environmental and climate indicators so that these are part of the commercial strategy. It's not enough to simply ensure traceability and chain of custody; we need to think bigger and envision a future where the business community thrives in harmony with the planet.   

Q: What would you say to Cerrado soy producers on what they are to gain by joining your programs?   

通过我们的倡议, we're not just conceptualizing ideas; we're implementing real-world solutions in the field. The 玉米erstone of our approach lies in the deployment of demonstration plots that serve as practical showcases of transformation from degraded pastureland to productive agricultural areas. Over a planned timeline spanning three to four years, we detail the process of restoring productivity to these lands and outline the associated 成本 以及技术援助 required ^[4].  

These demonstration plots provide a clear picture of the 投资 needed, the efforts involved and the anticipated returns. 到第四年, farmers witness firsthand the fruits of their labor as these once-degraded areas are revitalized for grain production. 通过这些实时飞行员, we offer insights into the additional income generated from previously underutilized land. While it's undeniable that there are upfront 成本, 特别是在最初阶段, our demonstration plots underscore the long-term financial benefits of sustainable farming practices.   

然而,, it's crucial to recognize that achieving this vision requires a conducive 投资 environment. 虽然好处是显而易见的, ensuring widespread adoption by producers and other stakeholders necessitates collaborative efforts to address existing gaps in the financial ecosystem. The transition to sustainable agriculture at scale requires active participation and support from multiple stakeholders, 包括政府, 金融机构, 非政府组织, 私营部门的参与者. 在一起, we can create an environment that enables producers to embrace sustainable practices and drives positive change across agricultural landscapes.