Brazilian delegation's visit to Nebraska results in collaboration agreement with DWFI, University of Nebraska

The state of Mato Grosso is Brazil's agricultural giant, producing more soybeans and cattle than any other state in the country. It is also considered one of the world’s main food producers. However, the state faces many issues with the expansion of agriculture exerting pressure on the amazon forest and Cerrado savanas ecosystem. In addition, agriculture faces many water challenges., especially during long periods of drought. The government of Mato Grosso is looking for ways to improve the sustainable development of water for crop irrigation and pasture land, to intensify production on existing lands and decrease expansion of agriculture on fragile ecosystem.

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska recently hosted a delegation from Mato Grosso for a week-long tour around Nebraska, visiting with local producers, faculty and leadership from the University of Nebraska, industry partners and government agencies to explore lessons learned.

With its mild climate and significant rainwater, the state of Mato Grosso enjoys two growing seasons. However, with just 5% of the state’s agricultural land currently irrigated, there is enormous potential for a third crop production season within one year. A major reason for the visit was to learn about how Nebraska manages its water — both surface and groundwater.

“Nebraska has a unique way of managing its water. Sharing what we have learned here in Nebraska helps others around the world increase their agricultural productivity, while still protecting important water resources and the environment,” said Christopher Neale, DWFI Director of Research and coordinator of the visit.

As a result of the technical visit to Nebraska, the government of Mato Grosso, through the Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, will sign a technical collaboration agreement with DWFI and the University of Nebraska to map its water potential in order to identify, monitor and define the efficient use of water.

The delegation of more than 20 included representatives from the Dry Bean and Pulses Producer and Irrigators Association; Federal University of Vicosa, Minas Gerais; Federal University of Mato Grosso; the Mato Grosso State Department of Environment; the Mato Grosso State Department of Economic Development; the Mato Grosso State Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; the Mato Grosso Public Private Partnership Development Agency; the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil; and the Ministry of Regional Development of Brazil.

During their visit, the delegation visited the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, Valley Irrigation, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and several local farms. They met with UNL Chancellor Dr. Ronnie Greene, as well as DWFI leadership, UNL faculty, pivot irrigation industry representatives, local policymakers and growers.

This isn’t the first time DWFI has collaborated with a Brazilian delegation. In Bahia, Brazil, DWFI has worked with local partners from several Universities, state government and the Association of Farmers and Irrigators of Bahia, to manage water from the Urucuia Aquifer—a large underground cache bearing many similarities to Nebraska’s High Plains Ogallala Aquifer.

DWFI’s mission is to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources. Through its strong global connections and partnerships like that of Mato Grosso and Bahia, the institute is able to achieve its greatest impact.