As COP30 approaches, Brazil stands at the center of global climate discussions. Agribusiness, a cornerstone of the national economy, will take the stage in Belém with a strong portfolio of low-carbon solutions and a real chance to lead the international agenda on energy transition.
This article highlights the key takeaways from the latest episode in our special COP series, featuring insights from Felipe Mendes, Head of Sustainability, New Business, and Institutional Relations at Tereos, in a discussion moderated by our partners Eduardo Ferreira and Vitor Fernandes de Araújo.
European guidelines and the fight against deforestation: implications for agriculture
The European Union has tightened requirements related to human rights, environmental protection, and zero deforestation. For Brazilian agribusiness, this brings both challenges and opportunities:
- Full supply chain traceability: Major players have already implemented monitoring systems to track suppliers and production areas.
- Regulatory alignment: Many of the practices now required in Europe are already embedded in parts of the Brazilian sector, particularly in more organized value chains.
The task ahead is to effectively communicate the progress already achieved and dispel misconceptions linking Brazilian agribusiness broadly to deforestation.
Best practices and global challenges: Brazil’s position
Brazilian agribusiness is not merely adapting to international requirements—it is also exporting sustainable solutions. Practices such as regenerative agriculture and the use of bio-inputs help reduce emissions while improving soil health. Meanwhile, monitoring systems and georeferencing technologies enhance transparency and traceability.
However, global market dynamics remain complex. Trade disputes and varying levels of climate ambition across regions create both risks and opportunities. Europe is currently revisiting its environmental targets, while several Asian countries are accelerating investments in renewable fuels—offering Brazil the chance to strengthen its role as a strategic supplier of food and clean energy.
Carbon markets and sustainable financing: unlocking value for agriculture
Although Brazil’s Carbon Market Law does not impose direct targets on agribusiness, the sector remains deeply engaged. Industrial units may be regulated depending on their emissions profile, while regenerative agriculture and conservation projects are already active in voluntary markets, often securing competitive prices.
At the same time, sustainable financing is becoming a decisive competitive advantage. Green loans, for example, offer lower interest rates and longer terms when linked to environmental performance indicators. Hybrid structures—such as infrastructure debentures and project finance—are also increasingly tied to decarbonization goals and strong governance, creating a virtuous cycle that connects capital with sustainability.
Strategic opportunity at COP30
COP30 provides Brazil with a global platform to showcase proven cases of low-carbon agriculture, scalable initiatives such as degraded pastureland recovery, and innovative financing models that align sustainability with competitiveness.
Brazilian agribusiness is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the global decarbonization agenda—demonstrating how food production and clean energy can advance together. The priority now is to communicate tangible results, reinforce traceability mechanisms, and leverage green financial instruments to accelerate the transition.
