Agriculture WG: a moment for coordination and progress in best practices
Of the world's 550 million producers, half are in BRICS countries. The group brings together nations that are major producers of grains, meat, and fertilizers, making BRICS a global agricultural powerhouse. The first meeting discussed topics such as digital certification to enhance trade in agricultural products.
By Thayara Martins | thayara.martins@presidencia.gov.br
The BRICS countries play a key role in agricultural production and global agribusiness trade. According to Luís Rua, Secretary for Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock [Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária/MAPA], of the world's 550 million producers, around half are in BRICS countries. The group accounts for 30% of farmed fishing and 70% of aquaculture. Additionally, both the production of raw materials used in agriculture, such as fertilizers, and the high productivity in cereals and meat highlight the importance of discussions on agriculture and cooperation among BRICS members. Secretary Luís Rua took part in a press conference on Friday (21) in Brasília, following the BRICS Agriculture Working Group meeting.
"The BRICS countries are highly relevant to us. Last year, Brasil exported approximately USD 165 billion in agricultural products, with over 60 million tons—41% of all our exports—going to BRICS countries," he stated. Luís Rua also added that one of the key pillars of the discussion is food security in the context of fair and inclusive trade. In a world where 733 million people suffer from hunger, he believes that major food-producing countries must take an active role in eradicating the problem.
Agriculture and COP 30
The secretary also emphasized that Brasil is experiencing a significant moment because, in addition to the BRICS meeting, it will host COP 30, and there is a connection between what is being discussed in the Agriculture Working Group and the topics debated at the UN Conference. As an example, he cited the National Program for the Conversion of Degraded Pastures, which aims to convert degraded pastureland into efficient cropland, thereby improving productivity within a system that integrates crops, livestock, and forests.
‘’Last year, more than 1 million hectares were recovered, and we want to pursue sustainable agriculture without needing to cut down trees or disturb our biomes while improving the conditions of our pastures. This way, we can ensure a greater goal—food security, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 for 2030: Zero Hunger.’’
Electronic certification
In terms of trade, according to the secretary, the group has been discussing electronic certification with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and creating more opportunities for producers and exporters in all BRICS countries. The expectation is to be able to trade goods and services without obstacles, for example, in cases where goods are stuck at a port due to lack of certification. Furthermore, it aims to demonstrate to the world how the Global South can contribute with innovative practices to international trade.
"So, I believe we are at a moment of concertation to bring these good practices and, together, show that we can advance with the weight of a significant portion of global agricultural production," he concluded.