Jack Hurd’s Post

On Wednesday Jack Hurd moderated an important session at the Oslo Tropical Forest Forum - High stakes: transitioning to sustainable cattle production in Brazil. The discussion focused on contextual factors surrounding the cattle sector in Brazil and its key challenges, while illustrating leadership examples to date and illuminating the path forward. We want to thank the panel of interdisciplinary experts who brought these issues to life: Sec. Mauro O'de Almeida, Pará State Government; Toby Gardner, SEI and Trase; Leila Harfuch, Agroicone; José Otavio Passos, The Nature Conservancy; Fernando Sampaio, Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC); Alice Gargano, Mars; Maggie Charnley, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, United Kingdom; Raoni Rajão, PhD, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil. Some key takeaways from the conversation: ▶ The Brazilian cattle sector is a key economic sector for the country – contributing almost 10% of the country’s GDP and employing millions of Brazilians. So, when we talk about a transition of the Brazilian cattle sector, the objective is to make cattle production more sustainable, with solutions that empower producers at the centre. ▶ The state of Pará has taken the leadership to tackle this issue on the ground by making traceability 100% mandatory by 2026. Traceability is an important foundational layer to making the cattle sector more sustainable because it formalises the supply chain. Pará’s Integrity and Development Plan can be a model for other states to adapt based on their own characteristics and biomes. ▶ Attracting investment for this transition is crucial to enable increased productivity, adoption of traceability and the provision of technical assistance and financing for producers. De-risking investments in the sector is key and innovative finance – such as blended finance products that combine philanthropy, impact investing, development finance and commercial capital – can come together to catalyse the change that is required. Look out for a longer article on this topic next week. #OTFF #Oslo #TropicalForests #Brazil #Pará #Sustainability #NaturePositive #Agriculture #Farming #Cattle

Cattle production is the highest GHG emitting agricultural activity globally – a large part of which is caused by the clearing of land to create new pastureland. Historically, pasture expansion has been the main driver of deforestation and conversion in Brazil. Tomorrow I will be speaking at Oslo Tropical Forest Forum in a session around sustainable cattle production. 10.30-12.00 AM, WEDNESDAY JUNE 26 High stakes: Transition to sustainable cattle production During this session, we will highlight the leadership of the Brazilian state of Pará's cattle integrity plan, the commitments of meatpackers articulated in the Agriculture Sector Roadmap to 1.5C, the collective effort of the CGF Forest Positive Coalition of Action to support initiatives in cattle producing landscapes, and stronger mandatory and voluntary signals from key demand markets are key levers that can contribute to the sustainable transition of the cattle sector across the Brazilian Amazon, the Cerrado and other critical biomes. Confirmed speakers: José Octavio Passos, Director Brazilian Amazon, The Nature Conservancy Raoni Rajão, PhD, Director of Deforestation and Burning Control Policies, Ministry of Environment, Brazil Leila Harfuch, Managing Partner, Agroicone Fernando Sampaio, Sustainability Director, Brazilian Beef Exporters Association Mauro O'de Almeida, State Secretary for Environment and Sustainability, Pará State Government Toby Gardner, Director, SEI and Trase - Intelligence for sustainable trade #Cattle #Beef #OTFF #TropicalForests #Deforestation

🎣 Exploring the Fisheries and Seafood Industry in the Nordic Region: A Strategic Guide for Investors The Nordic countries - Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland - are not just known for their picturesque landscapes but also for their robust fisheries and seafood industries. This guide offers an overview for investors looking to navigate these waters. 🇸🇪 Sweden: Innovation in Sustainable Fishing Sustainability Focus: Sweden's commitment to sustainable fishing practices sets a high standard for environmental stewardship in the industry. Emerging Technologies: Investment in innovative fishing technologies and aquaculture systems is growing, offering exciting opportunities. Expert Opinion: Environmentalist Jane Goodall emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in fisheries to preserve marine ecosystems. 🇳🇴 Norway: A Global Seafood Powerhouse World-Leading Exporter: Norway is a leading exporter of seafood, especially salmon, with a strong global market presence. Advanced Fish Farming: The country's sophisticated fish farming techniques offer a blueprint for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. 🇮🇸 Iceland: Pioneering Sustainable Fisheries Rich Fishing Grounds: Iceland's waters are among the richest fishing grounds globally, offering abundant opportunities. Eco-Friendly Practices: The country is a pioneer in eco-friendly fishing, balancing industry growth with environmental conservation. 🇩🇰 Denmark: A Hub for Seafood Processing and Trade Processing and Innovation: Denmark excels in seafood processing and the development of innovative seafood products. Strategic Location: Its strategic location offers easy access to European markets, enhancing its appeal for export-oriented investments. 🇫🇮 Finland: Freshwater Fisheries and Niche Markets Freshwater Focus: Unlike its neighbors, Finland's strength lies in freshwater fisheries, tapping into niche markets. Growing Demand for Specialty Products: There's a rising demand for Finnish specialty fish products, opening avenues for unique investment opportunities. 🔍 Investment Considerations Regulatory Environment: Each country has its unique regulatory framework, which investors should navigate carefully. Market Dynamics: Understanding the market dynamics, including consumer preferences and supply chains, is advisable. Sustainability: Investing in sustainable practices is increasingly demanded by global markets. 🔍 Challenges and Risks Environmental Concerns: Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant risks to fisheries. Market Volatility: The seafood market could be volatile, influenced by factors like environmental policies and international trade dynamics. Informed investments with: https://lnkd.in/dvU_QHkh #business #economy #entrepreneurship #familyoffice #fundraising #hedgefunds #investing #investment #innovation #markets #privateequity #startups #technology #venturecapital #wealthmanagement

Today is #WorldSoilDay and never has it been more important to raise awareness of the vital role soil plays - and to take action to safeguard it. Healthy soil is not only the foundation of our entire global food system, it’s also mission-critical to achieving global net zero ambitions.   At Mars, we’re proud to partner with those championing regenerative farming systems and sustainable soil management practices.    ➡️ On this day last year, our NUTRO brand launched GREATER GROUND, an initiative to help grow awareness of the importance of healthy soil and support growers to adopt healthy soil practices. ➡️ Earlier in 2023, Royal Canin announced a partnership with Soil Capital to support farmers in adoption of climate smart agricultural practices on up to 300,000 hectares of farmland - an area larger than Luxembourg. ➡️ Since 2017, Mars has played a leading role in the Cool Soil Initiative, an industry-wide coalition in partnership with Charles Sturt University, seeking to increase soil health and improve farm resilience. The coalition has helped more than 200 wheat farmers in Australia to implement climate smart management practices across 700,00 hectares of land.   Partnerships like these are essential to engaging and empowering organisations to act – at pace and scale – to protect and sustain our soil.   #ProudlyMars #Sustainability #naturebasedsolutions #ABETTERWORLDFORPETS

Lifting the Lid on Food Waste  February 22 | 0830-1000 | Hilton Tokyo Markus Kosch | General Manager, Hilton TokyoBay Hideki Obata | Executive Managing Officer, Norinchukin Research Institute Darren Prest | Founder and Director of Harbour View Services Tove Kinooka | Director, Global Perspectives K.K. According to the UN Environment program, globally every year about ONE THIRD of ALL FOOD PRODUCED – equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes – is wasted, while 1 billion people remain undernourished and another 1 billion go hungry. In Japan, data released by #MAFF (the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) in 2023 stated that 5.23 million tonnes of still-edible food was disposed of in FY2021 – around half from businesses, and the other half from households. We all buy and consume food, so we all have a direct connection to the problem. This event will explore how we can all – as individuals and as organisations – be part of the solution. Presentations by #foodloss experts and organisations successfully tackling #foodwaste will be followed by a facilitated hackathon-style discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from and share ideas with others, and co-create ideas for action. https://lnkd.in/gNWsCTHK

🎣 Exploring the Fisheries and Seafood Industry in the Nordic Region: A Strategic Guide for Investors The Nordic countries - Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland - are not just known for their picturesque landscapes but also for their robust fisheries and seafood industries. This guide offers an overview for investors looking to navigate these waters. 🇸🇪 Sweden: Innovation in Sustainable Fishing Sustainability Focus: Sweden's commitment to sustainable fishing practices sets a high standard for environmental stewardship in the industry. Emerging Technologies: Investment in innovative fishing technologies and aquaculture systems is growing, offering exciting opportunities. Expert Opinion: Environmentalist Jane Goodall emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in fisheries to preserve marine ecosystems. 🇳🇴 Norway: A Global Seafood Powerhouse World-Leading Exporter: Norway is a leading exporter of seafood, especially salmon, with a strong global market presence. Advanced Fish Farming: The country's sophisticated fish farming techniques offer a blueprint for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. 🇮🇸 Iceland: Pioneering Sustainable Fisheries Rich Fishing Grounds: Iceland's waters are among the richest fishing grounds globally, offering abundant opportunities. Eco-Friendly Practices: The country is a pioneer in eco-friendly fishing, balancing industry growth with environmental conservation. 🇩🇰 Denmark: A Hub for Seafood Processing and Trade Processing and Innovation: Denmark excels in seafood processing and the development of innovative seafood products. Strategic Location: Its strategic location offers easy access to European markets, enhancing its appeal for export-oriented investments. 🇫🇮 Finland: Freshwater Fisheries and Niche Markets Freshwater Focus: Unlike its neighbors, Finland's strength lies in freshwater fisheries, tapping into niche markets. Growing Demand for Specialty Products: There's a rising demand for Finnish specialty fish products, opening avenues for unique investment opportunities. 🔍 Investment Considerations Regulatory Environment: Each country has its unique regulatory framework, which investors should navigate carefully. Market Dynamics: Understanding the market dynamics, including consumer preferences and supply chains, is advisable. Sustainability: Investing in sustainable practices is increasingly demanded by global markets. 🔍 Challenges and Risks Environmental Concerns: Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant risks to fisheries. Market Volatility: The seafood market could be volatile, influenced by factors like environmental policies and international trade dynamics. Informed investments with: https://lnkd.in/djcUiTnm #business #economy #entrepreneurship #familyoffice #fundraising #hedgefunds #investing #investment #innovation #markets #privateequity #startups #technology #venturecapital #wealthmanagement

Just announced 🚨 - Pará State Cattle Integrity & Development Program. Cattle ranching in Brazil 🇧🇷 has historically accounted for nearly 24% of global annual tropical deforestation. At New York Climate Week, Mr. Helder Barbalho, Governor of the Amazonian state of Pará, Brazil, shared the state's ambitions to see Pará reach 100% zero illegal deforestation. This program is a decisive milestone in realigning food systems in Brazil on the path to COP30 in Belém do Pará. Jack Hurd, Executive Director for Tropical Forest Alliance, said of the announcement: “The Para Cattle Integrity Program, announced at COP28 today, is a foundational layer for addressing the biggest driver of deforestation and emissions in Brazil. The absence of full traceability in Pará undermined their ability to attract legitimate investment into this sector. The scope of this program is notable, because we know traceability alone is not enough. By also addressing producer compliance, increasing productivity and improving pasture management, the program presents a comprehensive pathway to supporting a net-zero transition and ensuring more sustainable livelihoods. If they can get this right in Pará, it has the potential to influence other cattle producing states in Brazil.” #Para #Brazil #Deforestation #Cattle #COP28

This week Tropical Forest Alliance has a number of meetings and activities focused on the sustainable transition of the soy and cattle sectors in Brazil. We will be visiting 3 key landscapes, along with Proforest and The Consumer Goods Forum's Forest Positive Coalition of Action (CGF FPC): 🇧🇷 Mato Grosso State: Tangará da Serra, in the Cerrado and Amazon biome, looking at a Jurisdictional Approach to sustainable commodity sourcing - hosted by PCI Institute. 🇧🇷 Pará State: Novo Repartimento, in the Amazon, looking at family farm production systems in a landscape approach - hosted by Solidaridad Network and Imaflora. Proforest is coordinating the project and involvement of the CGF FPC and potential partners. 🇧🇷 Tocantins State: Palmas, in the Cerrado biome, looking at low carbon soy and cattle - hosted by Conservation International. Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e9Yyydj3 #LandscapeInitiatives #Cattle #Soy #SupplyChains #Sustainability #Amazon #Cerrado

🌱 We are launching a new food and agriculture platform to create cross-Atlantic partnership opportunities 🌱   Our new Climate-Smart Agriculture Platform is an initiative for Danish companies looking to kick-start or expand their journey on the US market – specifically, the Californian market.    Today, California’s agriculture industry produces more than 400 commodities, from meat and dairy products to fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In 2022, the market value of agricultural products sold in California was $53 billion.    However, with a vastly growing population and a changing climate with frequent weather extremes, the Californian industry faces major challenges and a growing demand for climate adaptation solutions.    Through the Platform, our advisors will provide members of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Platform with valuable insights into developments in one of the world’s largest agricultural sectors. Moreover, by facilitating delegations to and from Denmark, member companies will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and climate-smart solutions with key Californian stakeholders.    Our mission is to bridge the gap between Denmark and California’s food and agriculture sectors by promoting Danish solutions and know-how across the Atlantic and facilitating knowledge sharing 🤝   Sounds interesting? Feel free to reach out to our Senior Commercial Advisor Anna Trillingsgaard, or read more about the platform here 👉  https://lnkd.in/d8rb64T4   #Climatesmart #food #agriculture #DenmarkinUSA #WorkingforDenmark

This week, I will be in Vitoria-Gasteiz to join the World Rural Forum VIII Global Conference on Family Farming: Sustainability of our Planet! I am honoured to represent the World Farmers' Organisation in such a critical dialogue focusing on how we can collectively support #FamilyFarmers worldwide towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability. One key area of my contribution will be the roundtable discussion, 'Assessment Of The First 5 Years of the UN Decade of #FamilyFarming Implementation: Achievements and Challenges.' Here, I'll delve into various crucial topics - from the challenges family farmers face in accessing public policies to strategic actions for strengthening the implementation and impact of the #UNDFF over the next five years. Join the conversation! #FarmersInAction #Farmers4FoodSystems #Farmers4Climate