Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 11/2010

Can Asia Learn from Brazil's Agricultural Success?

Margarita Escaler, Paul Teng

October 2010

Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies

Abstract

Over the last four decades, Brazil has transformed its agricultural sector to become the first tropical agricultural giant and the first to challenge the dominance of the world’s major food exporters. This paper examines the secrets of Brazil’s success and ponders whether Asia should try to emulate the Brazilian model to help achieve food security for its people and contribute to an increased level of self sufficiency in the region.