A just agricultural transition taking root in Brazil
20 January 2026
JUST Stories is IHRB's series of features centred on the people, the perspectives, and the relationships at the heart of net-zero transitions. We are documenting examples of the most innovative and meaningful net zero partnerships that are advancing transitions at speed and for the benefit of those most affected.
Our fourth story explores how a Brazilian agroforestry business is partnering with farmers in the Amazon - turning degraded farmland into high-value agroforests as a powerful response to deforestation - and a proven method of boosting farmers’ income.
Summary
Despite headline-grabbing efforts to stop deforestation, the world’s rainforests continue to vanish. In the Amazon, however, agroforestry - the practice of growing trees and crops together - is quietly gaining momentum for its ability to restore ecosystems, improve local livelihoods and deliver commercial outcomes for farmers and businesses.
The story features Belterra, an Earthshot Prize finalist, as it works with farmers to convert degraded land into high-value agroforests through business partnerships that deliver compelling returns - up to 40 times higher than cattle ranching and ten times higher than soy.
