Brazil and the Netherlands Advancing the Bioeconomy Agenda

Brazil’s Bioeconomy: A Model of Sustainability and Innovation

Brazil is emerging as a global leader in bioeconomy, leveraging its rich biodiversity and diverse biomes to foster sustainable economic growth. Central to Brazil’s bioeconomy are small-scale farmers and extractivists who manage forests sustainably, producing goods such as tonka beans and açaí berries. These innovations support local communities while contributing to global markets. For instance, João Santos, a farmer in Pará, exemplifies how managed forests yield higher profits and promote sustainable land use compared to traditional livestock farming.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Brazil’s knowledge bioeconomy—which integrates biodiversity, science, and innovation—could generate between US$100 billion and US$140 billion annually by 2032. This sector spans food, health, cosmetics, materials, and agribusiness, emphasizing sustainable and socially inclusive development.

Policy Framework and National Strategies

Brazil has institutionalized its commitment to the bioeconomy through strategic policies and agencies. The National Secretariat of Bioeconomy under the Ministry of Environment oversees the coordination of initiatives and international cooperation, focusing on benefit-sharing and sustainable resource use.

The National Bioeconomy Strategy prioritizes five sectors with high potential:

• Socio-bioeconomy production chains
• Restoration and regeneration
• Agri-food systems and agriculture
• Biotechnology and biomanufacturing
• Bioenergy and biofuels

Complementary policy frameworks include the Productive Forests National Program and the National Food Supply Policy, promoting biodiversity conservation, social justice, and inclusive growth. However, challenges persist due to the dominance of large-scale agribusinesses practicing intensive monoculture.

Dutch-Brazilian Collaboration: Strengthening Trade and Sustainable Practices

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) at the Dutch Embassy in Brazil plays a pivotal role in connecting Dutch and Brazilian stakeholders to advance the bioeconomy. Through initiatives like the SocioBio Hub—co-funded by the Netherlands—long-lasting value chains for socio-biodiverse products are being built, benefiting local communities.

Partnerships with organizations such as IDH (the Sustainable Trade Initiative) facilitate cooperation for sustainable value chains, particularly in Pará. The LAN team supports agroforestry projects, which diversify crops, enhance biodiversity, and improve resilience against market fluctuations.

Emiel Mulder, Nature and Biodiversity Counselor for South America, highlights the growing European demand for ethically and sustainably produced bioeconomy products. Agroforestry systems, while often more costly than conventional methods, offer added biodiversity and social benefits, aligning with European market trends.

Key Events and Future Outlook

Brazil is prominently placing bioeconomy on the agenda during its 2024 G20 presidency and the upcoming COP30 UN Climate Change Conference, where an Innovation and Bioeconomy Center will showcase startups from Belém. The G20 summit resulted in a voluntary agreement on ten bioeconomy principles, aiming to guide sustainable development.

COP30 offers valuable opportunities for collaborative projects such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), which seeks to create financial incentives for forest conservation, establishing an economic basis for environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

Brazil’s bioeconomy combines traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and innovation to create sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits local communities and global markets. The active collaboration between Brazil and the Netherlands enhances these efforts by fostering sustainable value chains, expanding market access in Europe, and promoting policies aligned with conservation and social justice. The ongoing international commitments and partnerships present a hopeful trajectory for the global bioeconomy’s sustainable future.

Sources:

• Brazilian Ministry of Environment and National Secretariat of Bioeconomy
• Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN)
• International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
• Agroberichten Buitenland, 13 October 2025

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