Food sovereignty is a strategic factor for national security and a competitive advantage in international relations. In a scenario of global crises, geopolitical tensions and climate change, countries that invest in solid agricultural policies not only guarantee domestic supply, but also expand their influence in global markets.
In this article, Bring Consulting analyzes how food sovereignty impacts geopolitics and what strategies can strengthen national security and international trade.
Food Sovereignty and National Security: The Importance of Domestic Production
Dependence on imported inputs and food exposes countries to strategic risks, making them vulnerable to external crises. Brazil, for example, imports 86% of the fertilizers it consumes, which represents an annual cost of US$ 25 billion to the national economy.
In response to this vulnerability, the Brazilian government implemented the National Fertilizer Plan (PNF), which aims to reduce this dependence to 50% by 2050 through incentives for national production of inputs.
🔹 Global Example: During the war between Russia and Ukraine, the price of fertilizers soared due to sanctions and trade restrictions, directly impacting agricultural production in Brazil, which depends on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers.
✔ Strategic Solution: Diversifying suppliers and strengthening domestic production of inputs are essential to guarantee food security and reduce external vulnerability.
Agribusiness as a Geopolitical Tool
Agricultural production is not only a matter of domestic supply, but also an instrument of international influence. Countries that dominate the global food market negotiate with greater power and establish strategic partnerships, directly impacting trade agreements and diplomatic relations.
Examples of Geopolitical Power in Agriculture
📌 China & Latin America: China is actively investing in agricultural infrastructure in Latin America to ensure the supply of commodities. Brazil, for example, is the largest exporter of soybeans to China, strengthening the interdependence between the two countries.
📌 United States & Trade Agreements: The US uses its agricultural capacity as a negotiating tool, establishing subsidies for its producers and making it difficult for competitors to enter its domestic market.
📌 Brazil & Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Created in 2024, this Brazil-led initiative seeks to coordinate international efforts to reduce hunger and strengthen agricultural policies in emerging countries.
✔ Opportunity: For producing countries, such as Brazil, strengthening diplomatic relations through the export of food and agricultural inputs can increase their geopolitical relevance and attract international investment.
The Role of International Agreements in the Expansion of Agribusiness
International trade agreements allow countries to expand their agricultural exports, secure access to new markets and reduce tariff barriers.
A recent example is the Mercosur-European Union Agreement, which could facilitate the export of Brazilian agricultural products. The treaty provides for the total or partial liberalization of 99% of agricultural exports from Mercosur to the EU.
✔ Impact on Brazilian Exports: Products such as fresh fruit, coffee and beef will have tariffs reduced or eliminated, facilitating access to the European market.
✔ Challenges: Despite the benefits, the requirement for stricter environmental standards by the European Union may represent an obstacle for Brazilian producers.
✔ Solution: The adoption of ESG certifications and traceability in agricultural production can increase the competitiveness of Brazilian products abroad.
Food Sovereignty as a Strategy for National Growth and Protection
Food sovereignty is not limited to food production — it is a geopolitical instrument and an essential factor for national security.
🌱 Governments and companies need to invest in:
✔ Strengthening domestic production of inputs
✔ Diversification of markets and suppliers
✔ Adoption of sustainable practices to meet international requirements
At Bring Consulting, we help businesses and governments navigate the global food security landscape, explore new market opportunities and build resilient strategies in the agricultural sector.
Get in touch and find out how to transform challenges into strategic opportunities!
