THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2024 41 “Countries in the tropics, such as Brazil, are the new agricultural frontier that will play a crucial role in expanding food production. However, the solutions to the problems in agriculture are not unique to the tropics, and integrating research between institutions from around the world is necessary to advance these solutions.” Dr. Adegbola Adesogan, director of the University of Florida’s Global Food Systems Institute, says F4L “has the potential to be truly transformational as it should simultaneously boost crop productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imports. In addition to improving efficiency and sustainability of U.S. and Brazil agriculture, the findings will help to reduce food insecurity in developing countries, particularly those in which fertilizer prices have tripled in recent years.” F4L is supported by a $1.2 million grant from USDA’s Fertilize Right Initiative, which supports innovative research and training to help countries with high fertilizer usage, enabling them to improve nutrient management and develop alternative fertilizers and cropping systems. In addition to Brazil, the Fertilize Right Initiative is active in Colombia, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The Office of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate is sponsoring the Fertilize Right Initiative under the Global Fertilizer Challenge. “Reducing overuse of synthetic fertilizers is key to keeping agriculture sustainable, both for controlling input costs to farmers and creating a healthier planet.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=