The Ministers of Agriculture of the countries that make up the Brics will meet on the 25th and 26th of September in Bonito, the main tourist city in the Serra da Bodoquena region, in Mato Grosso do Sul. The group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa represents 40% of the world's population and 25% of global GDP.
This is the 9th Meeting of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers and its theme will be technological innovation in agriculture in the context of an increase in the world population and demand for food. Ministers will debate issues related to food security and environmental sustainability at a regional and global level.
The objective of the meeting is to strengthen cooperation between the group's members to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Ministers will discuss strategies to improve infrastructure and connectivity in different agricultural chains, incorporating technologies that generate development and economic benefits.
BRICS
Representatives from the agriculture departments must also address issues such as renewable energy generation, electronic commerce of inputs and the use of scientific principles to prevent trade barriers.
For the first time host of the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) will highlight the role of increasing connectivity in the countryside, spreading the internet of things and encouraging startups in the agro world, known as agritechs, for advancement sustainable agricultural production, organic production, combating pests and diseases and maintaining phytosanitary food standards.
In addition to the formal discussions, two tours are planned on the official agenda of the ministers: floating diving and a visit to Fazenda Ceita Corê, a rural property considered a model in the application of technology for integrating crops, livestock and forests and in ecotourism activities.
Beautiful
Known worldwide for its crystal clear waters and exuberant nature that hosts different ecotourism activities, the city of Bonito also has intense agricultural production. Tourism represents half of the municipality's GDP, the other is the result of agribusiness performance.
It is the first time that Bonito will host an international event. The city's choice, according to the Ministry, is to show visiting authorities how it is possible to associate good environmental practices with agricultural production and tourism, a sector that employs more than seven thousand people with a formal contract. The municipality has 22 thousand inhabitants and an area of 493.4 thousand hectares, of which more than 40% is made up of native vegetation.
“The tourism and environmental management model implemented here is a reference for Brazil and the world. Here in Bonito, we practice adventure tourism, nature tourism, ecotourism. All these activities take place in rural areas”, said Augusto Miranda, Secretary of Tourism of Bonito.
Dome
In November, the group's heads of state will meet in Brasília, for the XI BRICS Summit. Brazil is the current president and as host, it has established as priorities for discussion among members the strengthening of cooperation in science, technology and innovation, strengthening cooperation in the digital economy, combating transnational illicit activities and encouraging rapprochement between the Brics Bank and the group's Business Council.
