SINGAPORE, 29 November 2022: Agritalks Brazil-Singapore, a conference focused on promoting innovation, sustainability, and security in agriculture, was held in Singapore for the very first time.
Presented by the Embassy of Brazil in Singapore and by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), with the support of Cotton Brazil, the event highlighted the advances achieved and the potential for investment in both countries’ agri-food sector.
The event brought together influential figures in the sector with unique and differing viewpoints, instrumental in forwarding our understanding of the challenges to global agricultural sustainability.
It garnered over 100 attendees along with notable guests of honour such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Singapore, Ms Dilys Boey, Ambassador of Brazil to Singapore, Eugênia Barthelmess, Business Director of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, Mr Lucas Fiuza. Agritalks Brazil-Singapore featured four discussions focused on agriculture and related topics like government policies, sustainability, industry innovation and financing.
The event was held at Singapore’s iconic Shangri-La hotel and reflected a landmark moment of Singapore and Brazil joining forces in tackling pressing issues and challenges.
The first segment focused on how government policies play a crucial role in paving the way for a sustainable future. Speakers shared the advances attained at a government level both in Singapore and Brazil.
“It is truly rewarding to be able to hold such a fruitful discussion in Singapore; a country that shares Brazil’s drive and ambition in promoting sustainability. Brazil and Singapore can bring our vastly different experiences together to reach a shared goal of forging a sustainable world,” said Eugênia Barthelmess, Ambassador of Brazil to Singapore.
The second segment specifically covered sustainable food supply chains and the private sector’s outlook on the area. Speakers from different backgrounds weighed in on the responsibility that the private sector holds in providing real-world solutions towards sustainability.
The speakers elaborated on Brazil’s generational transformation into an agricultural powerhouse and the country’s commitment to global food security, further highlighting the nation’s position as the world’s top exporter for chicken and beef. This is especially relevant for Singapore, as Brazilian protein makes up a significant portion of Singapore’s total imported meat - with at least 58 percent of the nation’s total consumed beef being of Brazilian origin.
Lucas Fiuza, Director, ApexBrasil shared, “Agritalks in Singapore will strengthen our institutional ties with one of our most loyal and strategic commercial partners in the region. This event promotes useful debate on best practices and experiences in our agroindustry. These discussions highlight Brazil’s innovation capacity as it consolidates its leading position in the issue of food security and supply.” He continued to say, “Additionally, we recognise the importance of supporting the private sector while also promoting sustainability. We aim to continue fostering a competitive environment through sustainability focused policies in balance with human development.”
Attention was also brought to the fashion industry and its sustainability challenges, from the resources used to the final product. Julio Busato, the President of the Brazilian Cotton Growers Association (ABRAPA), highlighted benefits derived from Cotton Brazil, an international market development programme for promoting certifiably sustainable Brazilian cotton. The programme has seen staggering success with its focus on showcasing Brazilian cotton’s sustainability and traceability while still exceeding in international quality standards.
The last segment of the event discussed innovation and financing, as the backbone driving sustainability in agriculture. The speakers juxtaposed public and private capacities in driving innovation through incentives and funding, making it clear that both the private sector and government decision-makers must prioritise potential game-changing technologies if our economies are to continue prospering. The discussion concluded by reinforcing that innovative technology is invaluable to the flowing of finance throughout all levels of the agribusiness supply chain.
Marcelo Duarte Monteiro, Director of International Relations at ABRAPA said, “Using cutting-edge science and technology, Brazil has been able to establish itself as an industry leader in the realm of sustainable and quality agriculture. The Brazilian cotton trade is exemplary in showcasing that innovation can drive success across cotton traceability, logistics, technology, and sustainability verticals without compromising on quality”.
The first Agritalks conference in Singapore was a success and drove mutually beneficial discussions in the sector, in what proved to be an informative and insightful experience for all its attendees. Through fostering strategic partnerships and similar events, Brazil will continue to be a market leader in driving awareness to sustainable agriculture.