Cultivating Sustainability: the agri-environmental policy tie-in

PRESS RELEASE

London – The Embassy of Brazil in London is delighted to announce the forthcoming edition of the annual seminar AgriSustainability Talks. At this year’s event, experts on bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture will engage in a debate centred on the theme ‘Cultivating Sustainability: the agri-environmental policy tie-in’. The seminar will take place on Friday, 17th November 2023, 8.30am – 12.30pm, at the Embassy of Brazil in London. A networking lunch will be served following the event.

Cultivating Sustainability: the agri-environmental policy tie-in

AgriSustainability Talks is an annual seminar organised by the Embassy of Brazil in London to highlight Brazil’s pioneering agricultural technology and its pivotal role in ensuring global food security, while championing sustainability. This event aims at promoting dialogue and fostering discussions amongst a diverse array of Brazilian and British specialists, including representatives from academia, civil society, the private sector, government and the press.

This year’s seminar will emphasise the importance of the economic and social development provided by agriculture and the bioeconomy in combating illicit activities associated with deforestation. It will also examine sustainable agricultural production financing programmes that are being implemented both in Brazil and in the United Kingdom to promote the recovery of degraded pastures, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the regeneration of native vegetation.

The seminar will commence with opening remarks by the Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom, HE Antonio Patriota, followed by a keynote address by Nigel Topping, UN Climate Change High Level Champion, COP26

Key Highlights

• Brazil is a megadiverse country that is home to around 20% of the planet’s biodiversity.

• The bioeconomy is emerging as one of the most promising avenues for sustainable development in Brazil, especially in the Amazon region. By leveraging technology and innovation, it offers great income opportunities for local populations.

• Brazil has a land area of 851 million hectares, 66% (584 million ha) of which is covered by native vegetation. 18.6% (159 million ha) is dedicated to pastures, while agriculture occupies 7.5% (65 million hectares). Over 50% of livestock production areas exhibit some level of degradation. Recovering degraded pastures and optimising their use would not only make livestock activities more sustainable, but it would also pave the way to new opportunities for agriculture and reforestation.
• Research institutions have identified 40 million ha which are currently degraded, but present high potential for agricultural activities. To put it in perspective, this area is larger than the entire landmass of the UK (24.8 million ha).

 Event Details

Date: Friday, 17 November 2023

Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, followed by a networking lunch

Venue: Sala Brasil, Embassy of Brazil, 14-16 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5BL

To register for this event, please email: agriculture.london@itamaraty.gov.br

Registration is mandatory and seating is limited, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Programme

8:30 – 9:00 - Registration and Reception Coffee 

9:00 – 9:10 - Opening Remarks by HE Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom

9:10 – 9:20  - Keynote Speech by Nigel Topping, UN Climate Change High Level Champion, COP26

9:20 – 10:50 - Panel I: The socio-economic underpinning of sustainability: the role of food value chains

Moderator: Ana Yang, Executive Director for the Chatham House Sustainability Accelerator.

Panellists: Carina Pimenta, National Secretary of Bioeconomy for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil

David Cleary, Director for Agriculture at The Nature Conservancy 

Roberta Roesler, Circular and Regeneration Director at Natura &Co 

Eduardo Bastos, Leader of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association Sustainability Committee

10:50 – 11:10 - Coffee Break

11:10 – 12:30 - Panel II: Credit incentives: a compelling means to advance sustainable Agriculture

Moderator: Michael Stott, Latin America editor of the Financial Times

Panellists: Jonathas Alencar, General Coordinator of Market Instruments and Financing for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil 

Jonathan Baker, Deputy Director, Programme Policy, Engagement and Strategy in the Future Farming and Countryside Programme at DEFRA

Lucy Rowland, Professor at the University of Exeter

João Adrien, Head ESG Agro, Itau-BBA

12:30 – 14:00 Networking Lunch

For further information, please contact: 

Hugo Peres
Trade and Agriculture Policy Section
agriculture.london@itamaraty.gov.br

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Adam Jayme Muniz
Counsellor, Head of the Public Diplomacy Section
press.london@itamaraty.gov.br

Note: The information contained in this press release is accurate as of the date of publication and is subject to change as the event approaches.