Agronomist and emeritus professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas, Roberto Rodrigues has been appointed Special Envoy for Agriculture at COP30.
With over six decades dedicated to the sector, he is leading the creation of a strategic document that will bring together proposals from Brazilian agribusiness for the climate conference, to be held in Belém in November 2025.
In an interview with FGV’s Research and Innovation Network, the professor detailed the structure of the document, which is being developed in partnership with the Instituto Pensar Agro (IPA) and 54 sectoral entities. According to Rodrigues, the goal is to build a unified voice for Brazilian agribusiness.
The proposal will be divided into three parts: a historical overview of the achievements of tropical agriculture from a technological perspective; guidelines for international cooperation and sustainable expansion; and recognition of systemic challenges such as illegal deforestation and clandestine mining.
In addition to the document, Rodrigues is also coordinating two thematic seminars during COP30: one on agroenergy, highlighting Brazil’s energy matrix, and another on methane emissions and livestock, focusing on the science behind carbon sequestration in well-managed pastures.
For him, the appointment reflects a career marked by cooperativism and international engagement. “My story is one of dedication to agribusiness. I’ve presided over several organizations and traveled to more than 80 countries studying agriculture and cooperativism,” said Rodrigues, who also served as coordinator of FGV Agro.
Rodrigues emphasizes that the main challenge in building the agribusiness agenda for COP30 is harmonizing interests across production chains. “What matters to a cotton producer may not matter to a cattle rancher. But the goal is to build a unified voice for Brazilian agribusiness.”
A long-time advocate for sustainability in agriculture, he reinforces that science and technology are key pillars in addressing climate change. “Our sustainable agriculture exports to nearly 200 countries. Technology has tripled production over the past 20 years and generated sustainability — our international presence is much stronger because technology has enabled sustainable production.”
Looking ahead to Brazil’s role at COP30, Rodrigues is emphatic: “We are entering an era of geopolitical uncertainty. Food security, energy transition, climate change, and social inequality are the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Agribusiness can help end hunger and contribute to global peace. Brazil has built a solid strategy to face these challenges and must embrace this role.”
Coordinating a forum with various institutions focused on sustainable development, he seeks to expand engagement from civil society, academia, and the private sector. “COP is happening in Brazil and in the Amazon, but it’s a climate COP. My hope is to convince the world that we must face global challenges to achieve peace, reduce inequalities, and protect the environment.”