Brazilian Agricultural Sector Research Articles

Correction to: Characterization and analysis of specific energy consumption in the Brazilian agricultural sector

For emerging countries such as Brazil, improved performance in the agricultural sector can be achieved by studies on the factors that have affected the performance and on economic perspectives relative to their internal structure and its relation with the external market. The present work aims to contribute with sustained economic expansion by studying strategies for expanding the energy supply in agribusiness. The characterization of specific energy consumption and energy indicators was performed considering a process of natural evolution, using logistic curves that describe the growth or evolution process. The specific energy consumption in agricultural activities was determined from data on the consumption of energy by machinery and equipments used in agricultural activities, as well as by establishing specific consumption indicators (ratio of energy consumed per unit produced) for each stage of production and by end-use. Nine crops and three herds were evaluated. In conclusions, the technology levels reached by the Brazilian agricultural sector have reflected on increased productivity and competitiveness in the international market with improvement in machines and equipments efficiency and operational capacity. In sugarcane culture, for example, the productivity increased 10% from 2009 to 2015. It has also been noticed a trend to reduce the use of low-power tractors and to increase the use of medium- to high-power tractors, which has also favored the productivity increase. The incorporation of new technologies tends to be more intense in the crops and herds that have an already established market.

Brazilian agricultural sector: potentials and problems from different points of view

This paper aims to discuss potentials and problems for the Brazilian agricultural sector from different points of view by applying the surfing global change (SGC) methodology. The intention is to give relevant stakeholders room for statements and to find solutions to improve the overall situation. The contrarian perspectives of indigenous peoples, government, private sector and international organisations shows the difficulty of finding acceptable compromises, although poverty reduction is a common goal. Both private and public sectors are in favour of FDIs and other investments into agriculture by using partly neoclassical and Keynesianism approaches. Indigenous peoples and international organisations focus on human rights and the unequal power of resources. First, the previously mentioned SGC methodology will be explained in detail. Secondly, the paper takes a closer look at the underlying theories. Thirdly, the arguments of the four different points of view will be portrayed. Afterwards the authors present their consensus approach.

Inverting the carbon footprint in Brazilian agriculture: an estimate of the effects of the ABC plan

The Sectoral Plan of Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in order to consolidate an Economy of Low Carbon Emissions in Agriculture (ABC Plan) integrates the commitments made by Brazil to mitigate its emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The objective of this study was to estimate GHG emissions from the agriculture and livestock sector considering the adoption of three low carbon emission technologies (LCT) – pasture recovery, integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) and the integrated crop-livestock-forest systems (ICLFS). The GHG emissions were estimated considering the growth projections of the production of soybean, corn, rice, beans, cotton, wheat, sugarcane and pastures from 2012 to 2023. Two scenarios were considered: I - without the adoption of LCT; II - with adoption of LCT, proposed by the ABC Plan. In scenario I, the cumulative emissions estimated were 670.47 million tCO 2 eq, with only about 22.67 million tCO 2 eq from agricultural activities. In the scenario II, the stock of carbon in the soil was higher than carbon emissions and would be 1.10 billion tCO 2 eq, with recovery of 75% of degraded pastures areas and implementation of ICLS and ICLFS in 25% of the area of degraded pastures. It was estimated that 52 million of cattle heads would be added to the Brazilian production system with adoption of the LCT. We concluded that technologies proposed by the ABC Plan can mitigate climate change and the Brazilian agricultural sector can reduce its carbon footprint and become the main sector in mitigating emissions.

Brazilian agricultural sector: potentials and problems from different points of view

This paper aims to discuss potentials and problems for the Brazilian agricultural sector from different points of view by applying the surfing global change (SGC) methodology. The intention is to give relevant stakeholders room for statements and to find solutions to improve the overall situation. The contrarian perspectives of indigenous peoples, government, private sector and international organisations shows the difficulty of finding acceptable compromises, although poverty reduction is a common goal. Both private and public sectors are in favour of FDIs and other investments into agriculture by using partly neoclassical and Keynesianism approaches. Indigenous peoples and international organisations focus on human rights and the unequal power of resources. First, the previously mentioned SGC methodology will be explained in detail. Secondly, the paper takes a closer look at the underlying theories. Thirdly, the arguments of the four different points of view will be portrayed. Afterwards the authors present their consensus approach.

Correction to: Characterization and analysis of specific energy consumption in the Brazilian agricultural sector

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake: Juliane Prado was not listed among the authors. The complete authors are given above.

Characterization and analysis of specific energy consumption in the Brazilian agricultural sector

For emerging countries such as Brazil, improved performance in the agricultural sector can be achieved by studies on the factors that have affected the performance and on economic perspectives relative to their internal structure and its relation with the external market. The present work aims to contribute with sustained economic expansion by studying strategies for expanding the energy supply in agribusiness. The characterization of specific energy consumption and energy indicators was performed considering a process of natural evolution, using logistic curves that describe the growth or evolution process. The specific energy consumption in agricultural activities was determined from data on the consumption of energy by machinery and equipments used in agricultural activities, as well as by establishing specific consumption indicators (ratio of energy consumed per unit produced) for each stage of production and by end-use. Nine crops and three herds were evaluated. In conclusions, the technology levels reached by the Brazilian agricultural sector have reflected on increased productivity and competitiveness in the international market with improvement in machines and equipments efficiency and operational capacity. In sugarcane culture, for example, the productivity increased 10% from 2009 to 2015. It has also been noticed a trend to reduce the use of low-power tractors and to increase the use of medium- to high-power tractors, which has also favored the productivity increase. The incorporation of new technologies tends to be more intense in the crops and herds that have an already established market.

Quality of ‘Ubá’ mangos from harvest to receipt by the processing plant

Currently, fruit is one of the most competitive segments of the Brazilian agricultural sector. Fresh fruit and itsderivatives show an upward trend in exports. The sectors potential stems from an increase in consumption in both internal and external markets. The increasing consumption of fruits worldwide is one of the factors that signal favourable opportunities for Brazilian fruit growing. Brazil, which is the third largest fruit producer in the world behind China and India, has been gradually expanding its participation in the world trade of fresh fruits and derivatives (Vilela and Moreira, 2008)25. The region of Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais contains several factory, which prepare fruits produced in the region. Among the currently marketed fruit products, „Ubá? mangos are well accepted by processing plant because of their colour characteristics, flavour and texture and their acceptance by domestic and foreign markets (Ramos et al., 2005)22. The climate throughout much of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais is appropriate for the cultivation of mango trees that is it exhibits well-defined dry and rainy seasons. This climate has led to the region becoming an important producing centre for mangos, including organic fruits. During the period of floral differentiation and flowering, the climate exhibits dry, mild temperatures, while during the formation and filling phase of the fruits, the temperatures and precipitationincrease, allowing a satisfactory production of fruits without the need for intensive cultivation.

Realidade territorial de unidades familiares no semiárido brasileiro

O crescente interesse em dinâmica da (re)produção familiar advém da importância dessa para o desenvolvimento do setor agrário brasileiro. Para a compreensão da dinâmica do território familiar no semiárido brasileiro o estudo englobou 96 Unidades Familiares(UFs) de seis comunidades rurais (Tauá-CE). Variáveis e análises que apreendessem atributos da dinâmica socioeconômica das UFs como reflexo da capacidade dos atores sintagmáticos de transformar a natureza por meio de relações produtivas foram realizadas. Identificaram-se "Grupos de Imagens Territoriais" que possuem sistemas de relações produtivas diferentes e que viabilizam a territorialidade.

Microsporogenesis analysis validates the use of artificially tetraploidized Brachiaria ruziziensis in breeding programs.

The genus Brachiaria contains species that have great economic importance in the Brazilian agricultural sector, as they enable cattle ranching on acid and poor soils with species that are resistant to spittlebugs and form crop-livestock-forest integration systems. The genus mainly consists of tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) and apomictic species such as B. decumbens and B. brizantha. Sexuality is found in diploid species (2n = 2x = 18) such as B. ruziziensis. Interspecific hybridization between species of interest is possible by the artificial tetraploidization of B. ruziziensis and the subsequent hybridization with genotypes of B. brizantha and B. decumbens. Therefore, tetraploidized plants have to have normal meiosis or low rates of irregularities, as well as produce viable pollen grains. The objective of this study was to compare meiosis and pollen grain viability and morphology in artificially tetraploidized B. ruziziensis with that of descendants generated from crossing and selfing. The frequency of meiotic abnormalities ranged from 4.43 to 11%, and pollen viability ranged from 61 to 85%. Abnormalities were detected from prophase I to the tetrad stage with a variable frequency between the genotypes. The meiotic behavior of the artificially tetraploidized plants was little affected, and the pollen viability of the genotypes was high. Regarding pollen grain ultrastructure, there were no variations or morphological changes in the different genotypes. The genotypes have meiotic stability and high pollen viability, and can be incorporated into Brachiaria breeding programs.

ESTIMATIVA ECONÔMICA DA UTILIZAÇÃO DO BIOGÁS PARA GERAÇÃO DE ENERGIA ELÉTRICA NO PERÍMETRO IRRIGADO QUIXABINHA-MAURITI-CE - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984/reveng.v23n3p220-227

A demanda por fontes renováveis de energia tem aumentado nos últimos anos em função do crescimento econômico do país e pelo incremento de tecnologias no setor agropecuário brasileiro, contribuindo para a intensificação do uso de energia elétrica nas diversas atividades agrícolas. Um dos entraves que diminui significativamente a renda dos
 produtores familiares nos Perímetros Irrigados é o gasto com a energia elétrica utilizada para acionar os sistemas de irrigação, podendo chegar a 35% do custo total de produção. Diante desta problemática, objetivou-se com este trabalho realizar um estudo de viabilidade econômica e estimativa de produção do biogás como fonte alternativa para a geração de energia elétrica a ser utilizada no Perímetro Irrigado. Foi utilizado o software RETScreen® para análise de viabilidade econômica e estimativa de produção, e os principais indicadores de viabilidade econômica foram o payback e a taxa interna de retorno. O estudo demonstrou ser economicamente viável a utilização do biogás proveniente dos resíduos vegetais e animais, como fonte de biomassa para geração de energia elétrica. Portanto, quanto maior a quantidade de matérias vegetais e dejetos de animais disponíveis aumenta-se a geração de energia elétrica e, consequentemente, a viabilidade econômica do sistema de geração.

English

Because of the great importance of sugarcane in the Brazilian agricultural sector, this study was developed in order to evaluate the soil CO2 flux and the soil microbial activity in the systems of burned sugarcane and green sugarcane. For this end, three areas were evaluated with different histories of sugarcane management: (1) burned sugarcane BS); (2) green sugarcane for 5 years (GS-5); (3) green sugarcane for 10 years (GS-10), considering that both areas of green sugarcane were converted from a scenario of prior burning before harvest. The soil CO2 flux (FCO2), basal respiration (BR), carbon of the microbial biomass (CMB), metabolic quotient (qCO2) and microbial quotient (qMIC) were evaluated in 30 points in a 100 × 100 m sampling grid, amounting to 1 ha. The results indicated higher FCO2 and CBM in the GS-10 area, and lower in the BS area, whose CO2 emission and microbial activity were higher in summer. The metabolic and microbial quotients showed a greater balance of the soil microbial activity in the area of green sugarcane for 10 years, fostered mainly by the higher amount of mulch on the soil. Key words: Saccharum officinarum, soil respiration, microorganisms, mulch.

The Evolution of Income Distribution in Brazil in the Agricultural and the Non-agricultural Sectors

The paper analyzes the characteristics and evolution of income distribution in the Brazilian agricultural sector, comparing it with the overall distribution or with the non-agricultural sector, considering two dimensions: the per capita household income and the income of occupied persons. The main data source is the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD). In order to fulfill this purpose, the per capita household income was divided into nine components (for Brazil and considering only the agricultural households) to evaluate their contributions to the decrease in inequality. In the second part, the paper analyzes the characteristics of occupied persons and the determining factors of their income, always comparing the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The estimated effects were analyzed over the period 1992-2012, adjusting one earnings equation for each year. In both cases (per capita household income and earnings of occupied persons), the agricultural sector showed a markedly different behavior. Regarding the per capita household income, though from 2001 to 2009 the rate of reduction in inequality among agricultural households is similar to the one observed in Brazil as a whole, the determinants associated with this reduction are clearly different in the agricultural sector. Concerning the income of occupied persons, the reduction in inequality is less intense and more irregular in the agricultural sector. The various factors that determine the income of occupied persons also presented distinct behaviors for the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

AN EVOLUTIONARY STUDY ON CROP PRODUCTION IN SMALL FARM SYSTEMS IN THE MID-WEST REGION OF BRAZIL BASED ON A LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODEL

Based on an agro-technical study for the mid-west region of Brazil, and considering financial conditions like monthly expenses and long-term investments, a mixed integer and dynamic linear model has been proposed for representing crop production systems. This model establishes a monthly dynamic treatment of production and financial activities over a long-term planning horizon for small and medium farm systems. In this paper, by considering more recent government financial policies for the Brazilian agricultural sector related to the Pronaf and Proger credit lines, a mathematical model is updated for distinct situations derived from the use of short and long-term loans which were defined for small and medium farmers. In this way, new versions of the original model are obtained by separately implementing into the production systems economic and financial conditions of credit lines for the years 2006 and 2009. Computational tests are performed and the results obtained are presented in several scenarios. Also, an evolutionary analysis on the socio-economic and financial feasibility of the agricultural farm system is drawn over the last decade by comparing the results obtained to one known from the year 2002.

SISTEMAS INTEGRADOS DE PRODUÇÃO – O NOVO DESAFIO PARA A AGROPECUÁRIA BRASILEIRA

The Brazilian agricultural sector stands out as an activity, which besides being fundamental to the economy (trade surplus) is also extremely important to the economic, social and environmental situation. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Brazil came in 2010 at R $ 3.675 trillion, and this value agriculture accounts for 6.5% (R $ 180.80 billion) (IBGE, 2011), thus underscoring the sector's importance to the development of Brazil. Thus, the purpose of this review is to discuss the use of various forms of Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest (ILPF) for Brazilian agriculture as a way to ensure the prominence and competitiveness of the sector. The Crop-Livestock Integration-Forest (ILPF) is a system that, in addition to adapting the existing agricultural activities practiced by Brazilian farmers, the templates related to environmental issues, especially in the neutralization of the gases emitted by livestock and agriculture to help accelerate the process of global warming may also increase the profitability of agriculture and settle in the field, reducing the rural exodus. However, there is need for increased research related to ILPF system, aiming at harmonization and maximum production.

A measure of sustainability of Brazilian agribusiness using directional distance functions and data envelopment analysis

The social and environmental impacts caused by the modernization of Brazilian agribusiness have evoked a growing interest in the search of balance between social-economics development and the adequate use of natural resources, driving the country to sustainable development. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to estimate a set of indicators of relative efficiency in the Brazilian agricultural sector, which satisfy the concept of Pareto optimality, potentiates simultaneously both economic, ecological dimensions and social functions. To reach this purpose, the method of directional distance functions and data envelopment analysis was applied. These indicators confirm, in different ways, the hypothesis that it is possible to perform consistent productive strategies with the maximization of social welfare, despite the apparent antagonism among these three dimensions. In addition, it is shown that efficient Brazilian states tend to combine the three dimensions in different ways. Hence, it can be concluded that several equilibrium taken sustainable can be achieved through different actions on poverty and environmental impact reduction without necessarily generating productive inefficiencies. This result can be considered of prominent importance for sustainable development in Brazil and can also serve as a reference in the definition of goals of the plan ‘Brazil without Misery’ and international commitments to reduce Greenhouse Gas – GHG – in Brazil, especially for the 17 inefficient Brazilian states.

What Explains the Intensification and Diversification of Brazil's Agricultural Production and Exports from 1990 to 2012?

The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive explanation of the production and export intensification and diversification of the Brazilian agricultural sector in the period 1990 2012. Our hypothesis is that Brazil does not have a predetermined ‘model’ calibrated for success in international agricultural markets; rather, the country has altered its agricultural policies in a responsive manner reflecting constraints and opportunities arising in both domestic and international markets, and taking advantage of Brazil’s agricultural land availability and good climate for agriculture. We identify four main noteworthy results of the study: (1) Brazil is no longer an agricultural country, despite the fact that in 2012 agriculture answered for 5.2% of Brazil´s GDP and supports a diversified and fast-growing agribusiness sector which in turn amounted to 22.2% of Brazilian GDP. (2) Agricultural and agro-industrial production and exports have increased and diversified simultaneously since the 1970s with the farming of new areas. (3) The location of the fastest-growing farming areas shifted during 1970-1990 from the South and Southeast regions to the Central-West region. Since 2000 a new agricultural frontier has emerged in the Cerrado (savannah) areas bordering the states of Maranhao, Tocantins, Piaui and Bahia (often referred to collectively by the acronyms MATOPIBA or BAMAPITO). (4) An econometric model of export supply, run using a 1991-2011 dataset, offers a number of insights. In particular, the world’s overall GDP growth and Brazilian agricultural and agroprocessed production have been the main drivers of Brazilian agricultural and agro-industrial exports, rather than international prices. Simultaneously, in the international market Brazil has taken over a share vacated by the USA and European Union countries.

The Role of Agriculture on the Recent Brazilian Economic Growth: How Agriculture Competes for Resources

Drawing upon the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) database, and other time series data, we construct a multi‐sector Ramsey model that shows the transition growth of the Brazilian agricultural sector and its effects on growth of the industrial and service sector of the economy, with particular emphasis given to the years 1994–2010. Our results capture the importance of the agriculture's capital intensity and the sector's factor productivity on the sector's growth, the substitution of capital for labor in agriculture, and the sustaining of agriculture's share in Brazilian GDP. These features are rather unique among emerging economies, most of which have experienced a transition out of agriculture and growth in nonfarm production relative to agriculture.

Ciclos econômicos na agricultura Brasileira

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar o papel dos choques de produtividade para a agricultura brasileira. Os choques de produtividade foram subdivididos em dois tipos, choques de produtividade advindos de avanços tecnológicos e choques não tecnológicos, devidos a variações climáticas. O referencial teórico tem como base um modelo de Small Open Economy fundamentado na teoria RBC. Na estimação do modelo fez-se uso de econometria bayesiana. Os resultados demonstram que um maior grau de endividamento do setor agrícola geraria um estoque de capital superior, o que poderia ter potencializado os choques de produtividade e melhorado o desempenho econômico da agricultura.

Social sustainability in certification schemes for biofuel production: an explorative analysis against the background of land use constraints in Brazil

This article examines the scope of voluntary certification schemes, based on the sustainability criteria of the European Renewable Energy Directive for biofuel production in the context of social sustainability and land use issues in Brazil. Possibilities and limitations of such certification schemes are discussed against the background of the rapid-changing Brazilian agricultural sector. Brazil was chosen as a case study being both one of the first countries where ethanol certification projects are implemented and a potential certified ethanol-exporting country. To capture social effects concerning land use connected to an increased ethanol production, semi-structured expert interviews were conducted within an explorative approach in Sao Paulo in the years 2011 and 2012. The study addresses the following question: what is the scope of certification concerning social sustainability in the light of a rising demand on agricultural land? An increasing demand for biofuels and other agricultural goods, as cash crops, leads to a concentration process of agricultural production. Land price hikes in infrastructural well-connected agricultural areas and the uneven distribution of land in Brazil are leading to newly arising negative effects on social sustainability. We assume that certification schemes have a limited scope in the above mentioned environments. As the scale of certification schemes is based on production-chain-governance, indirect and macro effects concerning social sustainability in Brazil cannot be addressed by this instrument. Hence, there is a strong need for comprehensive public regulation on land use issues on a national and international level in order to flank land use concentration in dynamic agricultural sectors, such as the Brazilian one.

Correlation Between Chemical Soil Attributes and Sugarcane Quality Parameters According to Soil Texture Zones

AbstractSignificant changes in the Brazilian sugarcane agricultural sector have been observed in recent years, with the rapid expansion of planted areas, mainly in the western part of the country. In addition to the enlargement of boundaries and the installation of new industrial units, sugarcane ex