Challenges

In a very near future, global agriculture will have to produce more with less, under adverse weather conditions and water stress. In developing countries, the potential increase in productivity (yield gap) by an adequate use of materials and techniques (technological gap) is still very large. In tropical areas where expansion or a reduction of these gaps is still possible, Brazilian agriculture can contribute with experience and expertise. The transformation in Brazilian agriculture from the 1960s onwards is part of one of the greatest achievements of global agriculture. Although the challenges to feed 9 billion people in the next 40 years will be incomparably greater.

Brazil is expected to occupy a strategic position in food production since its agricultural area can be expanded without destroying natural habitats. There are still some technological and productivity gaps that, once solved, could result in the increase of production. A better logistics also could increase efficiency of production by reducing losses. The role of Brazil in the generation of scientific and technological knowledge for agriculture in the tropics is unquestionable, either by groups that are against or in favor of the model adopted. However, some challenges in the local and global scenarios must be discussed, in search of a consensus and necessary adjustments for the agriculture model in the next 30-40 years. The nature of these issues are the backbone of the 21th WCSS, as indicated by the congress theme.  The discussions among scientists during this meeting will be relevant in guiding future researches and to help developing new agricultural models for Brazil and the world.