German-Brazilian expert exchange boosts innovation and collaboration in agricultural research
From Apr 18-25, 2026, a high-level Brazilian delegation consisting of representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), led by Augusto Billi, Secretary for Trade and International Relations, as well as leading scientists from Embrapa, visited Germany as part of a scientific study tour (FIF) to intensify exchanges with German institutions from politics, research and practice.
Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária) is a public research corporation affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Through the development of tropical agricultural technologies, it has played a key role in transforming Brazil from a food importer into one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters.
The study tour was organized and accompanied by the German-Brazilian Agricultural Policy Dialogue. The APD is funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH.
Intensive programme across Berlin, Potsdam and Braunschweig
The study tour began with an overview of the German research landscape at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Berlin, followed by a visit to the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy in Potsdam. Discussions focused in particular on the digitalization of agriculture and the bioeconomy.
At the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs, the delegation was welcomed by Parliamentary State Secretary Martina Englhardt-Kopf. The discussions focused on key issues of agricultural policy cooperation and sustainable trade relations, including within the framework of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
A high-level event at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs titled “EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement and Beyond: Relevance for Economy and Trade, Sustainability and the Role of the Bioeconomy – Perspectives and Opportunities for German and Brazilian Agricultural Trade” addressed the challenges and opportunities related to expanding agricultural trade between Mercosur and the EU.
Focus on research, innovation and practice
Another key focus was the visit to leading research institutions in Braunschweig, including the Julius Kühn Institute, the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ) and the Thünen Institute.
Topics such as sustainable crop production, plant protection, climate adaptation, biodiversity, microbiology and biotechnology were at the centre of technical discussions and site visits.
The delegation gained in-depth insights into innovative research approaches, including plant health, resistance research, DNA sequencing and climate-resilient agricultural systems. At the same time, concrete ideas for future joint research projects and cooperation were discussed.
Bridging science and policy
In addition to the scientific exchange, political dialogue also played a central role. A visit to the Committee on Food and Agriculture of the German Bundestag highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the close connection between research and political decision-making.
Accompanying discussions, including during the Annual Meeting 2026 of the Agribusiness Innovation Initiative Brazil-Germany (AI), demonstrated the strong commitment to further expanding economic relations between Germany and Brazil, particularly in the areas of trade, sustainable finance and digitalization.
The bioeconomy has played an outstanding role in bilateral economic cooperation for many years and continues to gain importance in light of current global developments, especially for the diversification and intensification of trade flows.
Joint solutions for global challenges
The study tour clearly demonstrated the importance of international exchange for developing sustainable, innovative and resilient agricultural systems.
Through the intensive dialogue between science, politics and business, not only were existing partnerships strengthened, but new momentum was also created for future cooperation – with the shared goal of developing solutions for global challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainable value creation.