Brazil’s Food System Transformation

The hidden costs of Brazil’s food system amount to approximately $500 billion annually, largely due to unsustainable production practices and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food System Economics Commission (FSEC) outlines a transformation scenario that could reduce these costs by over $200 billion annually by 2050. Key strategies for transformation include eliminating illegal deforestation, promoting sustainable resource use, enhancing access to finance for small farmers, and ensuring a fair transition. The report emphasizes the need for an integrated, locally tailored strategy to navigate the complex trade-offs involved in food system transformation. Special focus is placed on the beef industry, which faces international scrutiny due to deforestation concerns. Climate-resilient and low-carbon agriculture is positioned as an economic necessity rather than just a policy choice.