Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering approximately 8.51 million km² and home to over 215 million people. It extends from the equatorial north to the subtropical south and includes a wide range of physical landscapes. Brazil’s geography is dominated by two major features: the vast Amazon Basin in the north and the Brazilian Highlands in the central and southern regions. The Amazon Basin contains the world’s largest tropical rainforest and is drained by the Amazon River, the largest river system by discharge globally. Other important regions include the fertile southeastern plateau, the semi-arid Sertão in the northeast and the temperate grasslands of the south. Brazil’s climate varies from equatorial in the Amazon to tropical and subtropical in the south, enabling diverse agricultural systems.

Historically, Brazil was inhabited by Indigenous peoples before Portuguese colonisation began in 1500. Under colonial rule, the economy developed around plantation agriculture, particularly sugarcane, followed later by coffee. These systems relied heavily on enslaved African labour and shaped settlement patterns and land ownership. After independence in 1822, Brazil continued to rely on export-oriented agriculture, with coffee dominating the economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Although industrialisation expanded in the 20th century, agriculture and natural resources remained central to national development.

Today, the primary sector is a cornerstone of Brazil’s economy. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries together contribute around 5–6% of GDP but account for a far larger share of export earnings. Approximately 33% of Brazil’s land area is used for agriculture and pasture, while forests still cover about 59% of the country, largely due to the Amazon.
Brazil is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers. It ranks among the top global producers of soybeans, maize, sugarcane, coffee and beef. Soybeans are the most important export crop, cultivated mainly in the central-western states. Sugarcane production exceeds 700 million tonnes annually, supporting both sugar exports and ethanol production. Brazil is also the world’s largest exporter of beef and poultry, reflecting the importance of livestock farming across extensive pasturelands.

Forestry is a major natural resource sector due to Brazil’s vast forest cover. In addition to native forests, large-scale plantations of eucalyptus and pine supply timber, pulp and paper industries. The forestry sector contributes significantly to exports but is also associated with environmental challenges such as deforestation, particularly in parts of the Amazon region.

Fisheries play a smaller but locally important role. Marine and inland fisheries produce species such as tuna, sardines and freshwater fish from river systems and reservoirs. Aquaculture, especially tilapia farming, has expanded in recent decades.

Overall, Brazil’s primary sector reflects the influence of its vast geography and historical reliance on plantation agriculture. Fertile soils, abundant water resources and extensive forests support large-scale farming, forestry and fisheries. Despite the growing importance of industry and services, these sectors remain vital for exports, rural employment and global food supply.

Gerold had been active with Robin Wood for several years and became deeply interested in deforestation. Wanting to see the situation firsthand, Gerold wrote to Volkswagen Wolfsburg in 1986 asking for an agricultural internship at their Fazenda in Brazil — and received an offer. Gerold spent 11 months in Brazil and one month traveling through Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay. Gerold traveled deep into Brazil toward Cristalino, struggling with limited Portuguese and long bus journeys across the vast landscape. After two weeks, Gerold finally reached the Fazenda. 

Live there meant long days on horseback, learning tropical cattle farming, pasture management, and the harsh realities of rainforest agriculture. Gerold experienced the beauty of the rainforest — fishing in wild rivers, drinking from open streams — while also witnessing large-scale burning and deforestation. After ten months on the Fazenda, Gerold left and spent a month traveling. Gerold visited Walter near Campo Grande, explored Iguazu Falls, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, and joined friends in the Pantanal. The journey ended with time together in São Paulo, Florianópolis, Blumenau, and Rio.