Innovative Financing for Small Producers: A Vision for the Future of Food Systems

In a world grappling with environmental crises, economic inequality, and food insecurity, Gilberto Tomazoni, CEO of JBS Global, proposes a forward-thinking solution. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy event in São Paulo, Tomazoni emphasized the critical need for innovative financing mechanisms to support small producers. His vision is centered on equipping them with technology and sustainable practices to boost productivity, combat climate change, and secure food supply chains. Tomazoni’s ideas represent a pathway to addressing pressing global challenges by transforming food systems to benefit economies, communities, and the environment.

The Importance of Small Producers in Global Food Security

Small producers, particularly those in developing countries, make up the backbone of the global food supply. However, they often face challenges in accessing the resources necessary to thrive, including financing, technology, and market support. Tomazoni points out the dichotomy of modern agriculture: the need to produce more food for a growing population while conserving resources and mitigating climate change impacts.

Tomazoni believes that creating a resilient food system depends on supporting these small producers. “We have to produce more with less, and therefore, increasing efficiency is the way forward,” he says, adding that technology and innovation must be accessible to small-scale farmers. Such support can enable them to meet the dual challenges of productivity and sustainability, positioning food systems as a solution to global crises.

Innovative Financing Mechanisms: The Key to Sustainable Agriculture

A central element of Tomazoni’s proposal is offering small producers access to innovative financing mechanisms. Traditionally, small farms struggle to secure funding due to high-interest rates, rigid collateral requirements, and limited financial literacy. By offering flexible, affordable financing options, small producers can invest in sustainable agricultural practices, modern equipment, and climate-smart technologies.

Innovative financing might include low-interest loans, grants, or payment schemes based on crop yields or environmental contributions, which Tomazoni terms “payment for environmental services.” This concept rewards producers for maintaining sustainable practices, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, which can mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity. As a result, these producers gain a financial incentive to pursue eco-friendly farming, leading to a more sustainable agricultural landscape.

Bridging the Funding Gap for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Currently, agricultural projects receive minimal climate funding. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), less than 4% of climate finance goes toward agriculture, with only 1.7% allocated for projects in developing countries. This discrepancy reflects a significant gap in climate funding, one that Tomazoni argues must be addressed to create a lasting impact.

He emphasizes the importance of reallocating resources to support climate-resilient agriculture, particularly for small producers in vulnerable regions. With increased funding, farmers can adopt innovative practices like precision agriculture, drip irrigation, and renewable energy sources, which not only improve productivity but also help reduce emissions. Redirecting investment to climate-smart agriculture, particularly for smaller farms, is crucial for meeting global climate targets and securing the future of food systems.

The Role of Technology in Driving Efficiency and Sustainability

Tomazoni stresses that technology is already transforming agricultural practices in Brazil, proving that it is possible to produce more food while minimizing environmental impact. Precision agriculture, for example, uses data-driven techniques to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve crop yields. Digital platforms can enable farmers to monitor soil health, predict weather patterns, and access markets efficiently, leading to better decision-making and profitability.

However, ensuring small producers have access to these technologies remains a challenge. Tomazoni suggests that financing initiatives should encompass funding for technological education, infrastructure, and digital tools. Training programs and subsidies for technological adoption can empower farmers to implement practices that are both sustainable and profitable.

Global Collaboration and Policy Support

Tomazoni’s vision for sustainable food systems extends beyond financing and technology. It requires a collective commitment from governments, international organizations, and the private sector to support small producers. During the Bloomberg New Economy panel, he highlighted the collaborative approach taken by the B20’s Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture task force. This group, comprising global business leaders, has presented recommendations to the G20 Agriculture Ministers, with 75% of these proposals already accepted.

By securing political and institutional backing, Tomazoni believes these initiatives can gain traction and produce tangible outcomes. He calls upon world leaders to not only adopt these recommendations but also to implement them in ways that create measurable change. Policy support is essential to fostering an environment where sustainable agricultural practices can flourish, especially for smaller producers who lack influence on global policy agendas.

The Potential of Food Systems to Solve Global Challenges

Food systems, according to Tomazoni, hold the potential to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, from hunger and poverty to climate change and inequality. This belief is at the core of his argument that investing in agriculture—particularly through innovative support for small producers—will benefit not only the environment but also global economies and communities.

Tomazoni envisions a future where food systems are a powerful tool in combating food insecurity, creating jobs, and fostering economic resilience in rural areas. By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability in food production, nations can reduce resource strain, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create more equitable economies. “Investing in food systems is part of the solution to the dilemmas of prosperity,” he states.

Supporting Small Producers in a Competitive Global Market

In the global agricultural market, small producers often struggle to compete with large-scale industrial farms. However, by providing targeted support, these producers can become key players in the push for sustainable, resilient food systems. Initiatives that focus on fair trade, access to markets, and financial security can help level the playing field for small farmers, enabling them to thrive in competitive markets.

Tomazoni’s advocacy for market access includes encouraging local governments and organizations to create favorable conditions for small producers to sell their goods in both local and international markets. Trade policies that prioritize fair prices for small-scale producers can make a substantial impact on their livelihoods and help build a resilient global food supply.

Conclusion: A Roadmap to a Sustainable Future

Gilberto Tomazoni’s call to action for innovative financing and technological support for small producers underscores a broader vision for the future of food systems. By empowering small farmers, Tomazoni argues, the world can make strides toward a more sustainable, productive, and equitable food system that meets the needs of a growing global population while preserving natural resources.

As world leaders and stakeholders look to the future, Tomazoni’s message resonates as both a blueprint and a challenge. Investing in sustainable food systems through financing, policy support, and technological advancement could reshape global agriculture, turning it into a force for environmental conservation, economic growth, and social equity. The journey to a sustainable food system is complex, but with the right resources and commitment, it offers a pathway to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

In Tomazoni’s words, “Everyone wins.” His vision sets a hopeful tone for the future, highlighting that sustainable agriculture can indeed be a cornerstone in achieving global prosperity.