STORY-TRÅD·politik

Brazil’s Agricultural Research Company named Reference Center by FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has designated Embrapa Florestas as a Reference Center for Planted Forests. The announcement was made Friday (Oct. 2) during the 10th World Forest Week and the 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry, held at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. This is the first FAO Reference Center for planted forests in the world. The designation of a Reference Center aims to leverage recognized scientific, technical, and policy expertise in the forestry sector, the organization states. Notícias relacionadas:Brazil’s forest production reaches record BRL 47.9 billion in 2025.Amazon: Indigenous peoples catalog species to protect biodiversity.Embrapa Florestas is part of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company – Embrapa. Designated institutions collaborate with the FAO by sharing knowledge in their specific areas of expertise, providing technical advice, data, research, training, technology transfer, and other forms of technical support to the organization and its member states. With regard to Embrapa Florestas, the division is expected to contribute to the development of productive, resilient, and low-carbon planted forests that are integrated into agricultural systems and to respond to demands for international cooperation. According to 2025 data from the FAO, planted forests cover approximately 304 million hectares worldwide. Of this total, 157 million hectares consist of intensive forest plantations, primarily intended for production. China has the largest area of planted forests, followed by the US, Russia, Canada, India, Brazil, Japan, and Sweden. Data from Brazil’s statistics bureau IBGE indicate that Brazil has approximately 10.4 million hectares of planted forests. Eucalyptus and pine are the most commonly cultivated species, along with araucaria, acacia, rubber tree, yerba mate, teak, paricá, African mahogany, Brazil nut, and Australian cedar. According to a statement released by FAO Deputy Director-General and Director of the Forestry Division Zhimin Wu, the designation of the first FAO Reference Centers (RCs) in the forestry sector represents a key step forward in mobilizing scientific and technical expertise to address the complex challenges facing forests. “By connecting specialized knowledge to the needs of countries, we can accelerate knowledge exchange and innovation, as well as help transform science into practical solutions,” he declared. The Embrapa Florestas RC will operate on an on-demand basis and through joint fundraising in various areas. The RC’s areas of expertise in planted forests include silviculture and sustainable forest management, integrated systems, genetic improvement, forest health and biological pest control, carbon metrics and greenhouse gas mitigation, and the forest bioeconomy and green chemistry. Embrapa President Silvia Massruhá said that the designation serves as a seal of excellence, enabling the country to collaborate with the FAO on technical training, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint projects. “We have nearly 50 years of research and science dedicated to forestry development, which today has resulted in this recognition. Through it, Embrapa will be able to both assist other countries and strengthen collaborative efforts and networks within Brazil,” she said.