Carne neutra em carbono no bioma cerrado: um estudo sobre a viabilidade econômica de sistemas silvipastoris

Abstract

Brazilian cattle farming plays a significant role in the country's economy, increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and positioning Brazil as the world's leading beef exporter. Sustainable beef production, often referred to as green, sustainable, or carbon-neutral beef, is a strategic approach within the production system that aims to minimize environmental impact, particularly regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as cattle farming is one of the major contributors to climate change. This study aims to assess the economic and financial feasibility of a silvopastoral system in the Cerrado Biome, focusing on carbon-neutral beef production. The specific objectives are: (1) to analyze the main sustainable intensification strategies in Brazilian beef production, demonstrating the potential of integrating forests into cattle farming systems for pasture recovery and methane (CH₄) emission offsetting in beef cattle production; (2) to identify the socioeconomic factors influencing the return on investment in silvopastoral systems, such as land ownership, financing options, subsidies, and tax incentives. To conduct this study, an economic assessment was performed using scenarios that included Tectona grandis (Teak) trees integrated with Nelore cattle. Capital investment evaluation techniques were applied, including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Equivalent Annual Uniform Value (EAUV), Discounted Payback (DP), Profitability Index (PI), Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C), the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), and risk and sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo Simulation. Beyond financial return expectations, this study aims to contribute to global challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 2 and 13, which address sustainable agriculture, zero hunger, and climate change mitigation. The return on investment in agroforestry systems is influenced by socioeconomic factors such as land ownership, financing options, subsidies, tax incentives, access to information, and technical assistance, along with agronomic aspects. However, the high implementation costs of the system require government support through subsidies, financing, and incentives to help producers cover initial expenses and wait for long-term returns.