UK and Brazil partner to reduce fertilizer emissions

The United Kingdom and Brazil have signed a partnership to curb the environmental impact of fertilizers while strengthening global food supply chains.

The memorandum of understanding, signed on 10 September, will prioritize research and innovation in fertilizer production, sustainable farming practices, and building resilient supply networks. Both governments said the initiative will contribute to international efforts on fertilizer efficiency ahead of the COP30 climate summit, which Brazil will host in 2026.

Fertilizers are essential for food security but are also a source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 5% of global emissions.

Ruth Davis, the UK’s Special Representative for Nature, said international collaboration was critical to tackling these challenges. “Global cooperation is vital to restore the health of our soils, protect nature, and guarantee food systems for future generations,” she said. Davis added that Brazil’s leadership as COP30 host and its biodiversity put it in a key position to advance sustainable solutions.

Cleber Oliveira Soares, Brazil’s Deputy Agricultural Minister, said the partnership would help the country balance productivity with environmental stewardship. “For Brazil, advancing sustainable practices in the use of fertilizers means combining the strength of our agriculture with the responsibility to protect biodiversity and natural resources,” he said.

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has already invested in research to make food production more efficient and sustainable. Soares said the agreement with the UK reinforces Brazil’s commitment to aligning food security and supply chain resilience with climate action.

Marcel Moreira, another deputy minister, underlined the importance of international cooperation for Brazil’s role in global trade. He said efforts to innovate in fertilizer use would ensure that Brazil remains “a reliable supplier of safe, sustainable, and high-quality food.”