b'Positioning South America as a Sustainable Food Superpower with Global ImpactSouth Americas unparalleled ability to produce food places it in a global power position, yet it hasnt taken real advantage of its strengthsyet. Elena Mansur, Seed World LatAm Associate EditorAT THE RECENTWorld Agri-Tech Summit South Americaopportunities for South America. The regions rich biodiversity, in So Paulo, Brazil, Renata Miranda, the Secretary ofextensive fertile lands, and high productivity position it uniquely Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Cooperation for theto meet these demands. However, she questioned why these Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a compelling pres- opportunities are not being fully capitalized upon. entation titled Positioning South America as a Sustainable"Do you think this region is going through a time of crisis or Food Superpower with Global Impact. Her talk highlighted heropportunity? And why aren\'t we taking advantage of this oppor-personal vision for the pivotal role South America can play intunity?" she challenged the audience.transforming the global food value chain through sustainabilityMiranda underscored the importance of innovation in and innovation. addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities. She high-Miranda began by highlighting the paradoxes that define thelighted Brazils leadership roles in international forums like the current state of South American agriculture. "Latin America isG20, BRICS, and the upcoming COP30 as platforms to influence one of the biggest superpowers in food production," she said.global agricultural policy. Yet, she pointed out the stark contrast: this region also lives with"We have to seize this power of influence and generate some of the worst rates of hunger and structural poverty.wealth," she declared. However, she cautioned against accept-According to Miranda, Latin America produces around 30%ing asymmetric behaviors and colonial mindsets that hinder of the world\'s food, but this abundance coexists with persistentprogress. "As long as we accept asymmetrical behavior between and significant food insecurity driven by poverty. countries. we won\'t break this pattern," she warned.Food access is not the only paradox. Miranda also empha- In her closing remarks, Miranda issued a call to action, inviting sized that, although South America boasts one of the highestthe audience to embrace innovation as a pathway to sustainable agricultural productivity rates globally, growing at a rate of 4%development. a year, which is double the world average, the region still suf- "I invite all of you, as you are protagonists, to act on this cen-fers from low levels of technology adoption and high functionaltral role. to ensure that innovation is indeed a path to sustain-illiteracy among many of its agricultural producers. able development," she urged. Miranda noted that South Americas economic volatility fur- She stressed the importance of cooperation and the need for ther complicates its agricultural potential. Even though coun- autonomy, citizenship, and sovereignty to harness the geopoliti-tries like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru are majorcal power of food, "because that will allow us to take ownership food exporters, some of these countries have historically facedof the great geopolitical power that food produces, and then we economic crises, currency devaluation, and inflation. So, why dowill be able to prove that sustainability can have a global impact." these great superpowers in food production in agrarian econo- Mirandas presentation was not just a reflection on the current mies fail to break this duality? she asked. state of South American agriculture but a visionary call for lever-Miranda called for a reevaluation of the regions geopoliticalaging the regions potential through innovation and sustainable power, underscoring the essential role of food in global dynamics.practices. Her emphasis on geopolitical power, historical context, "Geopolitical power is based on energy, water and food. Weand the urgent need for a paradigm shift resonated deeply with can\'t fool ourselves about how powerful food is," she stated.the audience, setting a bold agenda for the future of agricul-Drawing a historical parallel, she remarked, "Since ancient times,ture in South America. As the Summit progressed, her words power was held by whoever had the key to the grain cellars, notprovided a framework for discussions on how to position South by who produced the most."America as a leader in the global food value chain, ensuring that With the global population growing and changing dietssustainability and innovation drive the regions impact on the and demand for diverse food products, Miranda sees immenseworld stage.SWOCTOBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /17'