Green Fertilizers: The Path to Decarbonized Agribusiness in Brazil

Brazilian agribusiness, one of the pillars of our economy, faces the challenge of increasing productivity while reducing its environmental footprint. In this scenario, innovation emerges as the main tool, and low-carbon hydrogen (H2BC) is emerging as a key player in the quest for more sustainable agriculture. The current big bet is the production of green fertilizers, which promise to revolutionize the way we farm, decarbonizing the sector and strengthening our autonomy.

Green Ammonia: the solution to external dependence and emissions

The production of nitrogen fertilizers, such as ammonia, is energy-intensive and traditionally relies on fossil natural gas. This not only generates a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions but also makes Brazil highly dependent on imports to meet agricultural demand.

Market Data: Brazil imports approximately 85% of its fertilizers, and over 90% of its nitrogen fertilizers come from abroad, with annual expenditures exceeding US$25 billion across the entire fertilizer complex. This dependence exposes Brazilian agribusiness to external shocks, such as geopolitical crises and fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. The global green ammonia market is estimated to reach US$30 billion to US$40 billion by 2030, indicating a global transition trend that Brazil needs to embrace.

This is where green ammonia comes into play. Produced from low-carbon hydrogen—generated by water electrolysis using energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass—green ammonia represents a clean and renewable alternative. By replacing natural gas in the Haber-Bosch process, fertilizer production can become virtually carbon-free, directly impacting the sustainability of Brazilian crops.

Impact on the Field and the Economy

The adoption of green fertilizers brings multiple benefits to agribusiness:

- Drastic Emission Reduction: The main benefit is the significant reduction in CO2 emissions associated with fertilizer production, contributing to sustainability goals and the green image of our agribusiness in the international market.

- Food Autonomy and Security: Reducing dependence on fossil-based fertilizer imports strengthens the country's food security and protects us against international price volatility and geopolitical instability.

- Added Value to Products: The use of sustainable inputs can add value to Brazilian agricultural products, opening doors to more demanding markets and enhancing green supply chains.

Brazil at the Center of Green Innovation

Brazil, with its vast renewable energy potential and robust agricultural sector, is uniquely positioned to lead the green fertilizer revolution. Research and development initiatives and projects are emerging across the country, aiming to implement large-scale green ammonia production plants.

The Hydrogen Radar (RADARH2) has been closely monitoring these advances, demonstrating how the integration of low-carbon hydrogen is not just a promise, but a reality underway. Our role is to inform and connect the different links in this new economy.

RIO+AGRO 2025: Debating the Sustainable Future

The relevance of green fertilizers and decarbonization in agribusiness will be a central theme at RIO+AGRO 2025. The event will be an essential platform for bringing together experts, producers, companies, and policymakers to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities that low-carbon hydrogen brings to the sector. It will be a strategic moment to plan the next steps in building an even stronger and more sustainable Brazilian agribusiness, with green ammonia as one of its stars.

The International Forum on Sustainable Agro-Environmental Development – RIO+AGRO will hold its second edition in 2025 and will be held at Riocentro, in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, from October 1st to 3rd. It is expected to build on the success of the previous edition, solidifying the state capital as a hub for debate and innovation in global agribusiness. Topics such as decarbonization of the economy, integrated production systems, and innovative agricultural technologies should be central to the discussions.

RIO+AGRO is a strategic initiative to position Brazil at the forefront of sustainable agribusiness, promoting debate, business, and the search for innovative solutions to the sector's global challenges.

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About the author:

Emerson Rocha is a journalist with a degree from FACHA (2007) and a career built on renowned media outlets such as Rádio Globo, Rádio Tupi, Rádio Paradiso, and Jornal do Brasil. His expertise extends to communications, having worked at the Rio de Janeiro City Hall (Rio Operations Center) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), where he specialized in environmental issues such as the Atlantic Forest, fauna, flora, and science. He is currently an entrepreneur, heading Erocha Mídia Comunicação, and is a member of the Communications Advisory Board of the International Forum for Sustainable Agro-Environmental Development (RIO+AGRO).