Market incentives for regenerative farming in Brazil

An Earthshot Prize finalist is helping small Brazilian farmers adopt regenerative farming practices

Spotted: Regenerative agriculture is a farming method that improves soil, biodiversity, and crop quality, and is an important tool for sequestering carbon and protecting land. However, in Brazil, sustainable farming and forestry face practical barriers such as a lack of technical guidance, tools, and financing, which makes it very difficult to adopt regenerative practices.

Belterra, which was founded by a former Brazilian government official, is working to help smallholders in Brazil incorporate regenerative processes. It begins by analysing the most profitable combination of crops for a specific area, taking into account terrain, species interaction, and commercial interests.

Short and long-cycle crops are combined to form a food production system that benefits the land while also providing income from the first year of planting. Belterra’s team will also prepare the soil, supply materials and tools, and help carry out the planting. The company further connects farmers with commercial partners to create new markets and customers for their crops.

Belterra was selected as a 2023 Earthshot Prize finalist as a solution to ‘Protect and Restore Nature’.

Regenerative agriculture is becoming more common as farmers seek to improve yields without damaging the land. Other techniques Springwise has spotted recently include using bacteria to remove soil contaminants and solar-powered trackers that help ranchers manage their herds more sustainably.

Written By: Lisa Magloff