ProVeg Brasil: “Animal Agriculture Is Indeed the Elephant in the Room at International Climate Summits”

Aline Baroni, the Executive Director of ProVeg Brasil, discusses how their study on plant-based agroforestry was cited in Paulo Petersen's Special Envoy report for COP30. The study showcases the benefits of transitioning from animal agriculture to plant-rich agroecological systems in Brazil, highlighting the economic, environmental, and social advantages for farmers. The report addresses the significant environmental and climate impacts of animal agriculture in Brazil and emphasizes the need to shift towards plant-based food systems.

The study reveals that transitioning to plant-based agroforestry can lead to increased income for farmers and significant climate benefits, with agroforests acting as net carbon sinks. To successfully make this shift, farmers require transition financing, technical assistance, and guaranteed offtake markets for their produce. While transitioning away from animal agriculture in Brazil may be challenging due to the industry's economic importance, there is growing openness and movement towards more sustainable agricultural practices, with key institutions and family farming organizations supporting the transition. To drive real change, government support is needed to align existing policies and financial mechanisms towards prioritizing plant-based and agroecological transitions in agriculture.