To contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a letter of intent to recover degraded pastures was signed this week by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa). The cooperation document, with a validity of 10 years, was signed between Mapa, the Brazilian Enterprize for Agricultural Research (Embrapa) and the Sustainable Livestock Working Group (GTPS), composed of representatives of different segments of the value chain of the bovine cattle in Brazil. The goal, inserted in the Agriculture Program of Low Carbon (ABC), is to recover 15 million hectares by 2020.

The next step will be the preparation of a working plan with the goal of spreading the benefits of adopting sustainable farming techniques. Among the practices encouraged, is the farming-livestock-forest integration(iLPF) which alternates pasture with agriculture and forest in the same area.

According to the Executive Secretary of Mapa, José Carlos Vaz, the Ministry, Embrapa and the GTPS will also promote training courses and technical training, in addition to act jointly in obtaining resources for the implementation of the proposed actions. Activities and studies proving the economic, social and environmental benefits from good agricultural practices will also be developed.

07 May 2012