The president of Abag highlights the synergy in Brazilian agriculture between food production and biofuels.

In a scenario marked by geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers and growing concerns about global food security, Brazil plays a relevant role in the global supply of food and protein, bringing together conditions to expand its international presence through competitiveness, innovation and the ability to meet different consumer profiles. This statement was made by Ingo Plöger, president of the Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG), during the Veja Agro Forum 2026, held this Monday (16), in São Paulo. “We are one of the few countries with the capacity to integrate the entire animal production chain and serve international markets with products aligned with the preferences of the most varied consumers,” stated Plöger in the panel “New Opportunities in Brazilian Agribusiness”, which also included the participation of Cleber Soares, executive secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Felippe Serigati, researcher at FGV Agro. The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, gave the opening lecture of the event. Analyzing the advancements in tropical agriculture and the opportunities for Brazilian agribusiness, the president of ABAG advocated for expanding the country's presence in global markets through innovation and the export of knowledge and technology. “I believe that one of the next strategic steps for the country will be the internationalization of Embrapa, taking Brazilian experience in tropical agriculture to other regions of the world. Africa, due to its characteristics and productive potential, should be one of the main destinations for this expansion of Brazilian knowledge and technological cooperation,” the executive assessed. Another important point mentioned by Plöger is linked to the relationship between food production and biofuels, which, based on Brazilian experience, should go hand in hand. “We have been arguing in Europe that the more renewable fuel we produce, the more food we also generate. Corn is a clear example of how we can produce renewable energy, animal protein, and food in an integrated and efficient way,” he emphasized. When addressing the future of agribusiness, Ingo highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in income generation, productive inclusion, and regional development. According to him, states with more dynamic agriculture have attracted labor, boosted the formation of a new middle class, and created opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. "About half of the Brazilian population lives in cities with up to 400,000 inhabitants, many of them directly connected to agribusiness chains, reinforcing their importance to the country." 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.