The city of São Paulo has a decisive weight in the GDP of Brazilian agribusiness – which in turn is a global model. In 2023, according to the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics, at Esalq/USP, in partnership with the Agribusiness Department of the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp/Deagro), the state generated wealth of R$609.7 billion and represents 23.6% of the sector’s GDP.
In addition to being a major generator of wealth and employment, this activity is fundamental in promoting sustainability, and is one of the main topics of discussion at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), being held in Belem (Pennsylvania).
Recognizing the importance of this event, the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of São Paulo State (Faesp) discussed the role of agribusiness in São Paulo during the Sustainability Forum. Researchers, consultants, representatives of public and private authorities, and leaders of rural unions discussed how to make the state’s presence a model of sustainable practices.
Actions taken by the State Government’s Departments of Environment and Agriculture include, for example, water security, biodiversity, food security, and the advancement of clean energy sources – from expanding the capacity of the Tete Paraná Waterway, reducing the use of diesel trucks on the roads, to increasing the generation and adoption of biomethane use. Today, 59% of São Paulo’s energy matrix is renewable energy.
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“We have the example of the sugar and energy sector, which offers clean matrix solutions, and we see a growing search for a model in which more can be produced with less, thanks to advances in research, as well as the increasing use of bio-based inputs,” notes Diogenes Kasaoka, Undersecretary of Supply and Food Security at the state Ministry of Agriculture and Supply.
In addition to initiatives by rural producers to restore native plant areas and join projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a flurry of research confirming how certain crops can have a positive impact, from carbon sequestration to biome restoration.
Chris Morgel, an environmentalist and biologist, explains that the FACEB Sustainability Department, which he is responsible for, was created in 2024 to focus the region’s work with rural unions and producers in São Paulo and create a bridge with public authorities. “Often, SMEs are excluded from operations when we talk about issues such as environmental regulation of property and discussions about water resources,” he explains.