Sharing solutions on climate adaptation

Combining productivity with climate resilience

The program took the group from the capital Porto Alegre to the agricultural heartlands of Rio Grande do Sul, with a mix of conference participation, company visits and farm-level discussions.

The mission was organized by the Netherlands Agricultural Network in Brazil (LAN Brazil), led by Agricultural Counsellor Inge Horstmeier, with important support from the Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) in Porto Alegre. In total, eight companies and two universities took part, all active in digital agriculture, soil and crop intelligence, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions.

The visit took place in a symbolic year: 2026 marks 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the Netherlands. Agriculture has always been a key pillar of this partnership. Brazil is a global agricultural powerhouse; the Netherlands is a frontrunner in agri-tech innovation in sustainable productive systems. Together, Dutch participants and Brazilian contacts looked for joint solutions that combine productivity with climate resilience.

Shared challenges, shared solutions

Dutch and Brazilian farmers face many of the same challenges. Droughts, floods and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Input prices are volatile. At the same time, there is growing pressure to reduce environmental and climate impact, protect water resources and safeguard nature.

During the mission, one message came back time and again: climate adaptation is no longer a choice, but a necessity. That requires more than just new products; it calls for integrated approaches. Think of climate-resilient crops, smarter water use, better soil management and, above all, better decisions based on data instead of gut feeling alone.

Precision agriculture plays a central role here. Dutch companies and knowledge institutions have built up strong expertise in sensors, satellite data, smart machinery and digital platforms. These tools help farmers use water, fertilizers and crop protection products more precisely. That improves efficiency and margins, while lowering environmental pressure. For both Brazil and the Netherlands, this combination is crucial.

An important starting point during the mission: no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Technologies only work if they are adapted to local conditions. That is why the focus was on co creation with Brazilian partners—cooperatives, companies, universities and farmers—so that tools and business models truly fit Brazil’s diverse farming systems.

A strong public–private team

The Dutch delegation brought together government, business and science - the familiar “Dutch Diamond” approach in agricultural policy and international development. LAN Brazil coordinated the mission; Counsellor Inge Horstmeier led the delegation. The NBSO in Porto Alegre and consultants supported with local contacts, logistics and matchmaking.

On the knowledge side, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the University of Twente’s Faculty of Geo Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) were represented. They work on topics such as precision farming, soil health, biodiversity, landscape approaches and the use of geo information for climate adaptation and environmental monitoring.

Their presence underlined the importance of applied research and training. Brazil’s large-scale agriculture, combined with sensitive ecosystems and rich biodiversity, requires good data and robust models: for example to map soil variability, monitor climate risks or design production systems that are both productive and nature positive.

From conference halls to farm fields

The mission started in Porto Alegre, where the delegation took part in the Brazilian Congress of Precision Agriculture (ConBAP, hosting also the International Congress this year) at PUC-RS University. There, Dutch companies and researchers exchanged experiences with Brazilian experts on topics ranging from variable-rate application and yield mapping to remote sensing and digital platforms for farm management. One-on-one matchmaking meetings were organized throughout the conference, allowing Dutch and Brazilian participants to explore concrete collaborations.

After the conference days, the group headed into the field. Technical visits included precision machinery manufacturer Stara (founded by Dutch immigrants) in Não Me Toque, cooperative Cotrijal and other agribusiness players in Passo Fundo, such as GDM (seeds), Fertisystem (fertilizer equipment) and Be8 (bioethanol and bioproducts). These visits gave the Dutch delegation a direct look at how Brazilian companies work on innovation, sustainability and climate adaptation in practice.

Along the way, there was ample time for informal conversations—with local farmers, cooperative managers and representatives of the Dutch community in Rio Grande do Sul—about what works, what doesn’t, and where new solutions are most urgently needed.

Orange Dialogues: connecting networks in Rio Grande do Sul

A highlight of the week was the Orange Dialogues event on 15 July, hosted at the FARSUL auditorium in Porto Alegre. FARSUL is the federation of agriculture of Rio Grande do Sul and an important voice for farmers and agribusiness in the state.

The afternoon program, opened by Consul General Wieneke Vullings and Agricultural Counsellor Inge Horstmeier, brought together Dutch delegation members and key Brazilian stakeholders—farmers, cooperatives, tech companies, researchers and public institutions.

The event kicked off with a presentation of the Dutch mission and an overview of agriculture in Brazil and the Netherlands, followed by two panel discussions:

1. Smart Agriculture: Data, technology and decision making in the field. Speakers from Brazilian and Dutch companies shared how digital tools—such as farm management platforms, soil sensors and smart machinery—can help farmers make better decisions. Questions from the audience focused on practical issues: connectivity in rural areas, training needs and how to show farmers a clear return on investment.
2. Sustainability and climate adaptation: challenges and opportunities for the agriculture of the future. This panel looked at the bigger picture: how to combine productivity with climate resilience, water security and biodiversity. Topics included regenerative practices, agroforestry, carbon markets and the role of cooperatives and governments in supporting the transition.

The Orange Dialogues closed with an informal networking cocktail, offering a relaxed setting to deepen discussions and identify concrete next steps. For many participants, it was the first time they met such a broad mix of Brazilian and Dutch actors around the same table.

Technologies for climate resilient agriculture

Throughout the week, Dutch companies showcased a wide range of tools and approaches relevant for Brazilian agriculture:

•    Data driven farm management – Real time monitoring of field operations, machinery and environmental conditions, supporting better planning and efficiency.
•    Soil and crop intelligence – Portable soil scanners, satellite based monitoring and analytics that help optimise fertilizer use, reduce losses and protect water and biodiversity.
•    Regenerative and climate programs – Platforms that combine IoT, satellite data and agronomic advice to support regenerative practices, water efficiency and carbon management.
•    Agroforestry and landscape models – Tools to assess the long term performance of mixed and tree-based systems, showing productivity, carbon and biodiversity impacts.
•    Biological crop protection – Nature based solutions that reduce dependency on chemicals and improve soil life and plant health.
•    High resolution soil sensing – Detailed soil mapping that supports targeted interventions and prevents degradation.

For Brazilian partners, these technologies are interesting not only to increase productivity, but also to position themselves in markets that demand sustainable, low carbon and deforestation free products.

Looking ahead: farming the future, together

The mission confirmed there is strong potential for deeper cooperation between Brazil and the Netherlands in climate adaptation, digital agriculture and nature inclusive farming. Follow up steps may include joint research and pilot projects, demonstration farms, long term business partnerships and training programs for farmers and Agri professionals.

The agricultural transition is complex, and no country can tackle it alone. By combining Dutch innovation with Brazilian scale, diversity and biodiversity, both countries can contribute to a more resilient and nature positive food system—at home and worldwide.

One thing became very clear during this week in southern Brazil: the future of agriculture depends on collaboration.