Good agricultural practices: What are they and how to apply them in everyday life?

To the good agricultural practices represent the basis of efficient, sustainable and economically viable rural production.

In a world where food security and environmental preservation are global priorities, adopting scientifically proven methods is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

Agriculture in the 21st century faces complex challenges, such as water scarcity, climate change and increasingly stringent international market demands.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), by 2050, the demand for food will increase by 60%, putting even more pressure on production systems.

In this scenario, the good agricultural practices emerge as a solution to balance productivity and conservation of natural resources.

In Brazil, producers who adopt these techniques are already seeing cost reductions, greater added value to their products and access to premium markets, such as the European Union and the United States.

The implementation of these practices requires technical knowledge, technological adaptation and, above all, a change in mentality.

It is not just about following standards, but about adopting an effective management culture in the field.

This article explores the fundamentals, benefits, and real-world applications of good agricultural practices, offering a complete guide for producers who want to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

What Are Good Agricultural Practices and Why Do They Matter?

To the good agricultural practices consist of a set of principles that integrate sustainable management techniques, worker safety and quality of the final product.

Its objective is to maximize productive efficiency while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society.

These practices are supported by organizations such as FAO, Embrapa and the Ministry of Agriculture, which establish guidelines for more responsible cultivation.

The relevance of these methods goes beyond the environmental sphere.

International markets, especially European ones, require certifications such as GlobalG.AP and Rainforest Alliance, which attest to compliance with good agricultural practices.

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Producers who do not adapt face trade barriers and lose competitiveness. In addition, consumers are more aware, preferring food produced ethically and sustainably.

In Brazil, the federal government's ABC (Low Carbon Agriculture) Program offers lines of credit for properties that adopt sustainable techniques;

Such as crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI) and recovery of degraded pastures. These initiatives demonstrate that the adoption of good agricultural practices not only preserves the environment, but also generates financial returns.

Main Pillars of Good Agricultural Practices

Sustainable Soil Management

Soil is the foundation of agricultural production, and improper management can lead to desertification and loss of fertility. Techniques such as no-till farming, crop rotation and green manure are essential to maintaining soil health.

Direct planting, for example, reduces erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional methods, according to the Brazilian Federation of Direct Planting in Straw (FEBRAPDP).

Regular soil analysis is also essential. Tools such as moisture sensors and satellite images allow precise adjustments in fertilization, avoiding excesses that can contaminate groundwater.

In the Cerrado, soybean producers who adopted these techniques increased productivity by 25% while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

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Another effective strategy is the use of bioinputs, such as nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, which improve nutrient absorption by plants.

Embrapa has already developed bacterial inoculants that partially replace urea, reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Efficient Use of Water

Water scarcity is a reality in several regions of Brazil, making water management one of the most critical pillars of good agricultural practices.

Smart irrigation systems, such as drip and micro-sprinklers, ensure that water is applied directly to the root zone, minimizing waste.

Precision agriculture also contributes to this control. Sensors installed in the field monitor soil moisture in real time, allowing the irrigator to be activated only when necessary.

In the São Francisco Valley, grape and mango producers who adopted this technology reduced water consumption by up to 40% without compromising productivity.

Another innovative approach is the reuse of wastewater, treated and applied to less sensitive crops.

In the state of São Paulo, some properties already use pig farming effluents, rich in nutrients, to irrigate pastures and sugar cane, completing a sustainable production cycle.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The indiscriminate use of pesticides generates resistance in pests, contaminates the environment and increases costs.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerges as an alternative, combining monitoring, biological control and rational application of pesticides.

A successful example is the control of the caterpillar Helicoverpa armigera, which threatened soybean and corn crops in the last decade.

Embrapa researchers developed pheromone traps and encouraged the use of parasitoid wasps, reducing dependence on chemical insecticides.

Another efficient technique is crop rotation with repellent plants, such as crotalaria, which keeps nematodes and other pests away from the soil.

In Mato Grosso, producers who adopted this strategy reduced nematicides applications by 50%, saving resources and preserving local biodiversity.

Waste Management and Reverse Logistics

The correct disposal of pesticide packaging, crop residues and effluents is required by law, but goes beyond legal compliance – it is a question of environmental responsibility.

The National Institute of Empty Packaging Processing (inpEV) coordinates the Campo Limpo System, which has already collected more than 650 thousand tons of packaging since its creation.

Furthermore, organic waste can be transformed into compost or bioenergy. Sugarcane mills, for example, use straw and bagasse to generate electricity, supplying thousands of homes.

In livestock farming, animal waste is used to produce biogas, reducing methane emissions and generating additional income.

Technology and Innovation in Good Agricultural Practices

Agriculture 4.0 is revolutionizing the way people good agricultural practices are applied.

Drones, artificial intelligence and blockchain are being used to monitor crops, track the production chain and make data-driven decisions.

IoT (Internet of Things) sensors collect information about soil moisture, temperature and nutrients, sending real-time alerts to the producer.

In Paraná, wheat farms use this technology to adjust irrigation and prevent fungal diseases, increasing productivity by 18%.

Blockchain, in turn, ensures transparency in the supply chain.

Major European retailers require foods such as coffee and cocoa to be traceable back to their origin, ensuring they were produced within sustainability standards.

How to Implement in Everyday Life?

The transition to good agricultural practices must be gradual and well planned.

The first step is to carry out a diagnosis of the property, identifying critical points such as erosion, water waste or excessive use of pesticides.

Staff training is essential. Training on the correct application of pesticides, irrigation management and workplace safety prevents operational errors and ensures the effectiveness of the measures adopted.

Partnerships with cooperatives, universities and research bodies accelerate the adoption of technologies.

Programs like SENAR offer free courses on sustainable agriculture, while startups develop affordable solutions for small producers.

Conclusion

To the good agricultural practices They are not a passing fad, but an irreversible transformation in agribusiness. Producers who adopt them gain efficiency;

reduce costs and access more demanding markets, while contributing to the preservation of natural resources.

The future of agriculture belongs to those who combine productivity with sustainability.

There is no longer room for outdated models that degrade soil, waste water and rely excessively on chemical inputs.

The change has already begun, and the industry leaders are those who understand that good agricultural practices are synonymous with profitability and longevity in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between good agricultural practices and organic farming?
While organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic agrochemicals, good agricultural practices seek to optimize conventional management, reducing impacts without necessarily eliminating chemical inputs.

How to convince traditional producers to adopt these techniques?
Demonstrating success stories and financial returns is the best strategy.

Technical assistance programs and specific credit lines also facilitate the transition.

Which cultures benefit most from these practices?
All of them, from grains to fruit and livestock. Soybeans, coffee and sugar cane are examples of crops with proven gains.

Does the government offer tax incentives?
Yes, programs such as ABC and Pronaf Sustentável offer reduced interest rates for properties that adopt sustainable techniques.

This content was prepared based on reliable sources and updated data, ensuring accuracy and relevance for rural producers.

The adoption of good agricultural practices is the path to a stronger and more sustainable agribusiness.