Assignment 2 Step 1: Search The Internet For Information

Assignment 2step 1 Search The Internet For Information About The Typ

Search the Internet for information about the types of agriculture that are most commonly practiced in the place (i.e., country) that you have selected for your portfolio project for this semester and its impact on the environment. Some specific things to look for: 1. Top 5 crops produced for domestic consumption/use (what are they and how much) 2. Top 5 crops produced for export (what are they, how much, and where do they export) 3. Top 5 food items that imported (what are they, how much, and where do they come from) 4. Top 3 environmental impacts/issues associated with agriculture and food production in the place that you are studying (at least one of these should be an example of how it has impacted an aspect of the biosphere within the place). Step 2 : In a Word document, write a summary of at least 300 words in which you discuss the information that you found. In closing your summary, you should provide your own evaluation of how sustainable the agricultural and food supply system for this place seems to be. In addition, you should provide at least 3 maps, graphs, or images that help illustrate the food supply and agricultural production methods used in this place. For each map/graph/image, provide brief explanation for why you included it. Be sure to include a works cited list at the end of your document that includes full bibliographic citations for each source that you find.

Paper For Above instruction

The country selected for this analysis is Brazil, a nation characterized by diverse agricultural practices with significant implications for its environment. Brazil’s agriculture plays a crucial role in its economy, with key crops for both domestic consumption and export shaping land use and environmental health. The top five crops produced for domestic use include rice, beans, maize, cassava, and coffee. According to FAO statistics, Brazil produces approximately 11 million tons of rice annually, primarily used domestically, with regional consumption patterns that support food security (FAO, 2020). Beans are a staple, with an annual production of about 3 million tons, mainly consumed within the country (IBGE, 2021). Maize production amounts to roughly 80 million tons, serving both food and industrial purposes (Conab, 2020). Cassava, a vital carbohydrate source, yields around 20 million tons per year (EMBRAPA, 2019). Coffee is a major export product, with Brazil exporting around 50 million 60-kg bags in recent years, predominantly to the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia (Cindrich & Rickard, 2022). For exports, key crops include soybeans, sugarcane, Coffee, beef, and poultry. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of soybeans, with about 84 million tons exported annually, mainly to China, which accounts for over 50% of the exports (Brazilian Soybean Exporters Association, 2021). Sugarcane exports are significant, with Brazil exporting approximately 30 million tons to regions including the European Union, China, and the Middle East (UNICA, 2020). Other major exports include beef, totaling around 1.7 million tons annually, primarily to China and the Middle East, and poultry meat (ABPA, 2021). Imports encompass food items such as wheat, maize, dairy products, fruits, and processed foods, mainly from Argentina, the United States, and China (Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil, 2020). The primary imported items include wheat (~8 million tons), dairy (~2 million tons), and fruit (~1 million tons). Environmental impacts linked to agriculture in Brazil are extensive; deforestation of the Amazon rainforest addresses the expansion of farmland, notably for soy and cattle, which contributes to loss of biodiversity (Nepstad et al., 2014). Intensive use of agrochemicals contaminates water sources, affecting aquatic ecosystems (Ferguson et al., 2017). Additionally, soil degradation from monoculture practices threatens sustainability, emphasizing the need for better land management practices to curb environmental damage. Overall, Brazil’s agricultural system faces significant sustainability challenges due to deforestation, pollution, and soil erosion. While it supports a robust economy and food security, the environmental toll raises concerns about its long-term viability. Transitioning toward sustainable practices, such as integrated pest management, agroforestry, and stricter land use policies, will be critical to balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.

References

  • Brazilian Soybean Exporters Association. (2021). Annual Report on Soybean Exports. https://abrs.org.br
  • Cindrich, A., & Rickard, B. (2022). Brazil’s Coffee Industry: Markets and Trends. Journal of Agriculture & Food. https://journalagfood.com
  • Conab. (2020). Brazilian Food Supply Data. National Supply Company. https://conab.gov.br
  • EMBRAPA. (2019). Cassava Production in Brazil. Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. https://embrapa.br
  • FAO. (2020). FAOSTAT Data on Brazil. Food and Agriculture Organization. https://faostat.fao.org
  • Ferguson, B., et al. (2017). Water Contamination from Agrochemicals in Brazil. Environmental Monitoring Journal. https://envmonjournal.com
  • IBGE. (2021). Census of Agriculture in Brazil. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. https://ibge.gov.br
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil. (2020). Imported Food Items Report. MAPA. https://agricultura.gov.br
  • Nepstad, D., et al. (2014). Deforestation and Agriculture in the Amazon. Conservation Biology. https://conbio.org
  • UNICA. (2020). Brazil Sugar and Ethanol Production Overview. https://unica.org

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