Brazil

The context

Deforestation

However, its ecosystems have been threatened by deforestation and forest degradation, most of which is illegal

Local context

In addition, conversion of native vegetation, unsustainable use of natural resources, land conflicts, violation of labour rights and the rights of Indigenous and traditional peoples, and gender inequality are some of the major problems encountered in Amazonian ecosystems.

Biodiversity

The Amazon biome covers about 49.5% of Brazilian territory and is characterised by high biodiversity and significant freshwater resources.

Agriculture

It is estimated that 90% of the deforested area is used for extensive cattle ranching and agricultural production (Mapbiomas, 2022).

Decoupling Agriculture from Deforestation

Agriculture has great economic and cultural importance in the region and represents the basis of life for many rural families. However, incentives for adopting sustainable practices and opportunities for farmers to prove compliance with environmental and social standards are still lacking. Considering the pressure of international markets to assure that agricultural production is decoupled from deforestation, vulnerable groups risk being excluded from such markets, thus reducing opportunities for value addition.

Approach

In Brazil, SAFE is implemented in partnership with the Federal Government of Brazil, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) and GIZ. In the country, the project fosters the sustainability of supply chains with a focus on cocoa and bovine cattle ranching, compliance of production with regulations, enhancement of market access and value addition, promotion of traceability systems, incentives for the preservation of forest ecosystems, and access to financing.

Commodities SAFE is working on in Brazil

Approach

Commodities SAFE is working on in Brazil

Activities

Sustainable Cocoa and Cattle Production

The value chains are being analysed regarding the status of their producers in terms of legality, traceability, and being deforestation-free. Smallholders, especially women and youth, are empowered to adopt sustainable cocoa and cattle farming practices in alignment with national goals.

Capacity Building and Training

Family farming is strengthened and supported in an inclusive transition to sustainable production in the cocoa and livestock sectors. Training programs focus on sustainable agriculture, legal compliance, and social standards, ensuring farmers adopt low-carbon practices and sustainable land use. Special emphasis is placed on promoting gender-inclusive value chains and encouraging youth participation in leadership roles.

Low-Carbon Agriculture
and Compliance

SAFE Brazil promotes low-carbon agriculture in alignment with Brazilian public policies, such as the national ABC+ Plan and the AgroBrasil+Sustentável Platform. The plan reduces emissions by encouraging sustainable practices in cocoa and cattle farming, while the platform tracks compliance with social and environmental criteria. These efforts contribute to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, fostering sustainable agriculture across Brazil and strengthening governance to align farming with national climate goals.

Market Access and Financial Inclusion

Through mentorship programs, local cooperatives are supported to access credit, sustainably manage their businesses, and meet global deforestation-free criteria. In partnership with transnational companies, such as OFI and Mondelez, new markets are opened to smallholders. By combining financial inclusion and market integration, local and family economies are strengthened.

SAFE Brazil - Video playlist

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Publications

Session 2: Sustainable Finance Knowledge Journey

The second session of the Sustainable Finance Knowledge Journey, presented by Climate&Company and Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems (SAFE), explores key topics in sustainable finance through four insightful panel discussions….

Instruments in Mercosur countries to support EUDR compliance in Beef Supply Chains

This publication was developed by Proforest in collaboration with Solidaridad and Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) and supported by Program SAFE – Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems – European Union, German…

Discussion Paper on the linkages between EUDR and Land Rights

This discussion paper on EUDR and Land Rights aims to subsidize the understanding of the relationship between land rights and EUDR compliance, with emphasis how the EUDR presents opportunities in…

Rural Credit Requirements for Financial Institutions in Brazil

This factsheet provides an overview of the Brazilian rural lending regulatory framework for preventing illegal deforestation, its evolution and key requirements applicable to financial institutions (FIs) providing rural credit. FIs…