German-Brazilian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD), Phase 2
Since 2021, the BMLEH has been supporting the APD Brazil under its Bilateral Cooperation Programme (BKP). As Germany's most important economic partner in South America and a key player in global agriculture, Brazil offers significant potential for sustainable and innovative bioeconomy approaches due to its abundant natural resources and strong agricultural production.
Phase 2 of the project builds on the achievements of the first phase and aims to further deepen bilateral cooperation while consolidating the results achieved to date. The project focuses on strengthening the bilateral policy dialogue, enhancing economic and trade relations, and jointly developing sustainable and innovation-driven solutions for agriculture and food systems.
Against the backdrop of the EU–Mercosur Agreement and Brazil's growing importance as a global agricultural producer and trading partner, the APD supports dialogue on market access, trade-related issues, regulatory frameworks, investment, and sustainable value chains. The project facilitates exchanges between ministries, research institutions, the private sector, and industry associations in both countries, providing platforms to discuss current challenges and opportunities for German-Brazilian agricultural cooperation.
A particular emphasis is placed on improving the framework conditions for bilateral economic cooperation. Key topics include export promotion, traceability and compliance, deforestation-free supply chains, the bioeconomy, digitalisation, innovation, sustainable production systems, and the development of joint positions on international trade and sustainability standards. At the same time, the APD promotes knowledge and technology transfer between research institutions and supports exchanges on modern agricultural technologies, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.
In addition, the APD supports the identification and development of market opportunities for the German agri-food sector in Brazil. Building on analyses of bilateral trade structures and the expected impacts of the EU–Mercosur Agreement, the project facilitates technical exchanges on market opportunities for German companies, particularly in the fields of premium food products, food ingredients, agricultural machinery and equipment, cooling and processing technologies, packaging machinery, digital solutions, and sustainable production systems. To this end, the APD prepares market studies and policy papers, organises economic policy dialogue formats, and connects companies, industry associations, and political decision-makers from both countries.
Close cooperation with the private sector is a core component of the project. The APD works with companies, business associations, financial institutions, research organizations, and innovation networks, and supports initiatives such as the Agribusiness Innovation Initiative Brazil–Germany (AI). Through these activities, the project creates new opportunities for cooperation between German and Brazilian companies while promoting investment and innovation along agricultural value chains.
Key activities include high-level technical and study visits, bilateral expert dialogues, economic policy conferences, studies and policy papers, as well as the establishment of long-term networks among policymakers, academia, and the private sector. Particular attention is given to the economic implications of the EU–Mercosur Agreement and to further strengthening sustainable trade and investment relations between Germany and Brazil.
The project is implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH.