Plan for adaptation and low carbon emission in agriulture : strategic vision fow a new cycle

Abstract

This executive summary addresses the global strategy for the second cycle of the Brazilian Plan for Adaptation and Low Carbon Emission in Agriculture (ABC+), henceforth to be known as the “Brazilian Agricultural Policy for Climate Adaptation and Low Carbon Emission (ABC+)”. This new cycle will run from 2020 to 2030, consolidating Brazilian agriculture as a sustainable powerhouse, firmly based on sustainable, resilient and productive farming systems. The Action ABC+ Plan, will be launched in a few months, the contents of which will provide additional information such as the necessary actions and measurable goals for executing the ABC+. In this second phase, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, will continue to be a crucial aspect of the Plan, now under an Integrated Landscape Approach becoming even more resilient in addition to contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG). To this end, successful strategies, adopted and consolidated in the first cycle (2010-2020), are being reinforced and improved with a view to fostering the adoption of science-based Sustainable Systems, Practices, Products and Production Processes (SPSABC). For the new cycle (2020-2030), strengthened institutional governance along with monitoring and evaluation systems will provide integrated data that will allow for continuous improvement and transparent management. Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) mechanisms, in accordance with internationally accepted scientific criteria, will supplement economic incentives for the set- -up of new market instruments capable of delivering added value from sustainable production systems. Such an arrangement will facilitate communication and improve perception of the effective contributions from Brazilian sustainable farming systems, boosting Brazil’s domestic and overseas image. By giving priority to regional-level actions under an Integrated Landscape Approach, the Brazilian Government will keep focusing on continuous technological innovation as the key driver for sustainable food production in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. Consequently, by the end of the second cycle, Brazil will be able to expand the number of farms that makes use of sustainable technologies. In the long run, this will pave the way for the entire Brazilian agricultural area to adopt sustainable and resilient production systems. By jointly promoting actions for Brazilian agriculture to adapt to climate change events and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, the ABC+ continues to be one of the most important national policies both for tackling climate change and for providing the world with food security, within the context of sustainable development.