New Embrapa Programs Aim to Cut Carbon Footprint of Corn and Sorghum

Embrapa’s new Low Carbon Corn and Low Carbon Sorghum programs aim to reduce the carbon footprint of grain production in Brazil through science-based certification protocols. The initiatives will measure greenhouse gas emissions per ton produced, encourage sustainable farming practices, and support climate resilience. The programs could boost market competitiveness as buyers increasingly demand verifiable low-carbon agricultural products. The post New Embrapa Programs Aim to Cut Carbon Footprint of Corn and Sorghum appeared first on Seed World .

6 April 2026 at 01:09 pm

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New Embrapa Programs Aim to Cut Carbon Footprint of Corn and Sorghum

Embrapa, Brazil's agricultural research agency, has launched two new programs aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of corn and sorghum production. The Low Carbon Corn (LCC) and Low Carbon Sorghum (LCSg) initiatives focus on implementing science-based certification protocols to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per ton of grain produced. These programs are part of a broader effort to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance climate resilience in Brazil's agricultural sector.

The LCC and LCSg programs are designed to address the growing demand for verifiable low-carbon agricultural products, which can boost market competitiveness for Brazilian corn and sorghum. By adopting sustainable production methods and technologies, these initiatives aim to differentiate and add value to the grains they produce. The core of the programs lies in the scientific measurement of GHG emissions intensity per ton of grain, which will be achieved through the validation of technical guidelines for the certification protocols.

Researcher Arystides Resende Silva from Embrapa Maize and Sorghum explains that the certification process will be voluntary, private, and conducted by third parties following the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system. After the protocol validation by Embrapa and its partners, certification may take place. This approach ensures that the certification is grounded in scientific evidence and aligns with international standards.

Researcher Alexandre Ferreira da Silva highlights that the LCC and LCSg programs encourage the adoption of more resilient production systems and promote the transition to a sustainable economy. He emphasizes that decarbonizing crop and livestock production is one of the biggest challenges in Brazilian agriculture, given the global climate change crisis. Embrapa has been at the forefront of addressing this challenge by developing concept brands such as Low Carbon Beef (LCB), Low Carbon Soybeans (LCS), and Low Carbon Wheat (LCW).

The LCC and LCSg programs represent an important step in advancing sustainable agricultural production in Brazil. By focusing on reducing GHG emissions and promoting sustainable practices, these initiatives not only help combat climate change but also create new opportunities for Brazilian corn and sorghum to compete in markets with growing sustainability requirements. As the demand for low-carbon products continues to rise, Embrapa's efforts to develop and validate certification protocols for these grains are crucial in ensuring that Brazilian agriculture remains competitive and environmentally responsible.

Source: Seed World

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