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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 2 Zero Hunger

News

SDG 2 Zero Hunger

Although research on animal production and climate is growing, bringing science to the field remains challenging
SDG 2, SDG 13
Although research on animal production and climate is growing, bringing science to the field remains challenging

A research group from the University of São Paulo analyzed over 1,600 articles and found that research increased by 9.5% annually between 1974 and 2025. The authors advocate for regionalized solutions and public policies to bridge the gap between evidence and implementation.


Soil bacteria protect wheat from pathogenic fungus
SDG 2
Soil bacteria protect wheat from pathogenic fungus

When inoculated into the soil, bacterial species altered the microbiome and protected plants from a fungus that causes root rot, reducing disease symptoms by up to 60%.


Soil bacteria protect wheat from pathogenic fungus
SDG 2
Soil bacteria protect wheat from pathogenic fungus

When inoculated into the soil, bacterial species altered the microbiome and protected plants from a fungus that causes root rot, reducing disease symptoms by up to 60%.


Peptide isolated from a Cerrado frog increases strawberry shelf life
SDG 2
Peptide isolated from a Cerrado frog increases strawberry shelf life

Study shows that the molecule preserves the fruit’s firmness without affecting its flavor and has potential as a postharvest treatment.


Award-winning study describes strategy used by blue mold to devastate citrus fruits
SDG 2
Award-winning study describes strategy used by blue mold to devastate citrus fruits

Researchers from the State University of Campinas and the University of São Paulo have identified the chemical arsenal used by the pathogen to combat the defense systems of oranges, lemons, and tangerines. This finding suggests ways to combat the fungus without using pesticides.


São Paulo to host country’s first plant for capturing and storing carbon from sugarcane ethanol
SDG 2, SDG 7, SDG 13
São Paulo to host country’s first plant for capturing and storing carbon from sugarcane ethanol

The initiative, estimated to cost BRL 30 million, brings together FAPESP, the University of São Paulo, the State Department for the Environment, and the productive sector.


São Paulo to host country’s first plant for capturing and storing carbon from sugarcane ethanol
SDG 2, SDG 7, SDG 13
São Paulo to host country’s first plant for capturing and storing carbon from sugarcane ethanol

The initiative, estimated to cost BRL 30 million, brings together FAPESP, the University of São Paulo, the State Department for the Environment, and the productive sector.


Data intelligence predicts water shortages in rural areas
SDG 2, SDG 9
Data intelligence predicts water shortages in rural areas

FAPESP-backed startup forecasts water availability from springs to support decision-making in scenarios of irregular rainfall.


Data intelligence predicts water shortages in rural areas
SDG 2, SDG 9
Data intelligence predicts water shortages in rural areas

FAPESP-backed startup forecasts water availability from springs to support decision-making in scenarios of irregular rainfall.


Climate change boosts soybean production but worsens bean quality
SDG 2
Climate change boosts soybean production but worsens bean quality

Using AI modeling fed with experimentally validated data, researchers at the University of São Paulo predict the simultaneous impact of high temperatures, drought, and increased CO₂.


Material extends shelf life and prolongs release of fungus used as bioinsecticide
SDG 2
Material extends shelf life and prolongs release of fungus used as bioinsecticide

Encapsulating Beauveria bassiana in a biopolymer made of cellulose and aluminum increased the viability of the fungus from 69% to 85% after five months of storage, providing a more sustainable alternative that releases the bioinsecticide over an extended period and reduces the need for new applications.


Material extends shelf life and prolongs release of fungus used as bioinsecticide
SDG 2
Material extends shelf life and prolongs release of fungus used as bioinsecticide

Encapsulating Beauveria bassiana in a biopolymer made of cellulose and aluminum increased the viability of the fungus from 69% to 85% after five months of storage, providing a more sustainable alternative that releases the bioinsecticide over an extended period and reduces the need for new applications.


Fish for Health Center sets up tilapia germplasm bank
SDG 2
Fish for Health Center sets up tilapia germplasm bank

Scientists have collected over 2,600 specimens, forming a genetic reserve that serves as a “savings account” for the future of tilapia farming, which accounts for 65% of farmed fish production in Brazil.


Book addresses soil health in tropical ecosystems
SDG 2
Book addresses soil health in tropical ecosystems

Work supported by FAPESP is the result of an initiative by the Brazilian Soil Health Partnership, the Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture, and the Luiz de Queiroz Agricultural Studies Foundation.


Book addresses soil health in tropical ecosystems
SDG 2
Book addresses soil health in tropical ecosystems

Work supported by FAPESP is the result of an initiative by the Brazilian Soil Health Partnership, the Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture, and the Luiz de Queiroz Agricultural Studies Foundation.


Research outlines strategy to protect Amazonian cocoa against witches’ broom
SDG 2
Research outlines strategy to protect Amazonian cocoa against witches’ broom

The study identified cultivars that maintain high productivity and resilience against attacks from the disease, paving the way for more sustainable cultivation in the region


Biodegradable sensors attached to plants detect pesticides in three minutes
SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Biodegradable sensors attached to plants detect pesticides in three minutes

Made from non-toxic plant-based material, the devices can also monitor biomarkers, diseases, and nutrient levels in plants.


Biodegradable sensors attached to plants detect pesticides in three minutes
SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Biodegradable sensors attached to plants detect pesticides in three minutes

Made from non-toxic plant-based material, the devices can also monitor biomarkers, diseases, and nutrient levels in plants.


Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 13
Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

According to calculations by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center, the amount is equal to the emission of 5.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. The authors point to the potential to meet Brazilian mitigation targets by “recarbonizing” soils through sustainable agricultural practices.


Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture
SDG 2, SDG 13
Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

According to calculations by scientists at a FAPESP-supported research center, the amount is equal to the emission of 5.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. The authors point to the potential to meet Brazilian mitigation targets by “recarbonizing” soils through sustainable agricultural practices.


FAPESP defines seven strategic research priorities for the 2026-2028 period
SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 9, SDG 16
FAPESP defines seven strategic research priorities for the 2026-2028 period

The Board of Trustees has authorized an additional allocation of BRL 400 million for projects, without affecting ongoing programs.


FAPESP defines seven strategic research priorities for the 2026-2028 period
SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 9, SDG 16
FAPESP defines seven strategic research priorities for the 2026-2028 period

The Board of Trustees has authorized an additional allocation of BRL 400 million for projects, without affecting ongoing programs.


Canadian agritech companies seek expansion opportunities in São Paulo
SDG 2, SDG 9
Canadian agritech companies seek expansion opportunities in São Paulo

Business mission aims to deepen collaboration on agricultural innovation between Canada and São Paulo startups supported by FAPESP.


Canadian agritech companies seek expansion opportunities in São Paulo
SDG 2, SDG 9
Canadian agritech companies seek expansion opportunities in São Paulo

Business mission aims to deepen collaboration on agricultural innovation between Canada and São Paulo startups supported by FAPESP.


Model more accurately maps the impact of frost on corn crops
SDG 2
Model more accurately maps the impact of frost on corn crops

Tool uses remote sensing to reduce uncertainties regarding agricultural losses, contributing to public policy.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: