Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 24, Cargill, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company, has reaffirmed its commitment to Regenera Cerrado, a regenerative agriculture program in Brazil launched in 2022. The initiative, focused on the Rio Verde region in southwestern Goiás, promotes sustainable farming practices to enhance ecosystem health and resilience in soybean and corn production, supporting the Cerrado biome, which contributes 60% of Brazil’s agricultural output.

The program monitors 12 farms across 7,841 hectares, researching regenerative agriculture to encourage its adoption. During the drought-affected 2023-24 season, farms using these practices achieved an average soybean yield of 69 bags per hectare, compared to 66 bags in conventional areas and a statewide average of 56 bags in Goiás. These results were presented at the third Regenera Cerrado Workshop in August at the Instituto Federal Goiás in Rio Verde.

Letícia Kawanami, sustainability director for Cargill’s Agricultural Business in South America, stated: “Cargill is pleased to support Regenera Cerrado, which promotes regenerative agriculture practices, because we believe that these practices and sustainable soil management have an impact on the climate and people, whether producers or consumers.”

A team of 35 researchers from institutions including the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp. (EMBRAPA), Goiano Federal Institute, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), University of Brasília (UnB), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), and Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Corp. (EPAMIG) analyzed data from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 harvests. Their work validated regenerative practices, linking them to improved soil health, entomology, and plant pathology outcomes, based on farmer-led initiatives and empirical evidence.

Coordinated by the BioSistêmico Institute (IBS), Regenera Cerrado collaborates with the Associated Group for Sustainable Agriculture (GAAS) and the Associated Research Group of Southwest Goiano (GAPES). The program’s efforts align with Cargill’s broader sustainability goals, as outlined in its 2024 Impact Report, which details environmental, social, and governance progress across its global operations and supply chains.

By supporting Regenera Cerrado, Cargill fosters sustainable farming practices that enhance productivity and environmental resilience, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the agricultural sector in Brazil. The program’s success underscores the potential for regenerative agriculture to improve yields and sustainability in challenging conditions, contributing to long-term food security and ecosystem health.