Sustainable Agriculture Market – TechSci Research Analysts in conversation With: Dr. Edivando Vitor do Couto

Could you start by sharing your journey into the world of sustainable agri culture?

I was born and raised on a farm in the countryside of Brazil, in the state of Paraná. My parents still live there, and I have fond memories of growing up in an environment deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and agriculture. Our farm was a place of great diversity, reflecting a holistic approach to farm ing that my family has always embraced. We cultivated a wide variety of crops, including beans, rice, cotton, and corn, alongside fruit orchards that provided a range of seasonal produce. In ad dition to crop farming, we also maintained pastures for dairy cattle, which added another layer of richness to our agricultural operations. This diversity not only sustained us but also taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in farming. It was a way of life where every element contributed to a sustainable and productive system. Growing up in such an environment instilled in me a deep respect for the land and a strong appreciation for the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and connection to the community. It also shaped my understanding of how di versified agriculture can contribute to food security, ecological balance, and economic stability, lessons that continue to resonate with me today. This upbringing has profoundly influenced my perspectives and the principles I apply in my life and work, fostering a commitment to sustainability and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of natural systems.

What inspired you to focus on regenerative agriculture and its connection to carbon sequestration?

My passion for regenerative agriculture and its connection to carbon seques tration is deeply rooted in my life story. Growing up on a farm in the heart of Paraná, Brazil, I was immersed in nature from a young age, watching my par ents and grandparents nurture the land with care and reverence. They taught me the value of harmony with nature, a lesson that stayed with me as I pur sued my academic path. My studies in remote sensing, geomorphology, and biodiversity opened my eyes to the environmental challenges posed by in dustrial-scale agriculture when it is not managed responsibly—deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss are just some of the consequences. Yet, these same studies also revealed the immense potential of sustainable farming practices to heal the planet. I became particularly drawn to the idea TechSci Research www.techscinesearch.com that agriculture, when approached regeneratively, could play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. By reducing reliance on nitrogen-based fertilizers and agrochemicals, restoring riparian zones, maintaining ecological corridors, and prioritizing consolidated agricultural areas over expansion, farming could not only sustain livelihoods but also sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity. This realization brought together my personal connection to the land and my academic insights, shaping my mission to promote practices that balance productivity with ecological restoration. For me, regenerative agriculture represents not just a profession, but a way to honor my roots, contribute to global sustainability, and drive meaningful change.