Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture in Bahia through Policy, Knowledge, and Networks
From prolonged droughts in the semi-arid Caatinga to deforestation pressures on the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, farmers and policymakers must confront increasingly severe climate extremes that threaten livelihoods and food security.
For Thiago Guedes, an ELTI alumnus and longtime advocate for sustainable agriculture, these challenges are also opportunities. Over the past 15 years, he has helped steer Bahia’s path toward agroecology, organic farming, and low-carbon agriculture. His leadership spans multiple arenas, from coordinating national commissions on organic production to serving as secretary general of the Brazilian Society for Agroforestry Systems and currently as chief of staff of Bahia’s State Secretariat of Agriculture. He also leads the state’s Low-Carbon Agriculture Plan (Plano ABC+ BA), an ambitious 10-year strategy involving more than 25 institutions to align public policy, finance, and technology with climate-resilient farming.
“I believe in the power of sustainable agriculture to transform both landscapes and people’s lives,” says Guedes. “My mission is to support farmers of all scales, promote practices that respect the environment, and build bridges between science, markets, and public policy.”
Guedes first engaged with ELTI through two courses: “Environmental and Productive Adequacy of Rural Properties” and “Introduction to Carbon Markets.” These programs provided not only technical updates but also a global perspective on sustainability transitions.
“The most impactful part of the first course was the field component, where I could exchange experiences with colleagues, professors, and practitioners,” Guedes recalls. “In the carbon markets course, I gained a clear sense of the challenges ahead—particularly the need for stronger regulation and concrete practices to make this a real development mechanism for Brazil and the world.”
With this foundation, Guedes deepened his leadership role in shaping agricultural sustainability policies in Bahia and beyond. Supported by ELTI’s Leadership Program, he spearheaded the publication of Guia Bahia + Orgânico (Bahia + Organic Guide), commemorating and disseminating information from 20 years of legislation related to organic agriculture in Brazil. The guide consolidates technical knowledge, data, and policy recommendations for advancing the organic sector in Bahia, a state that already counts around 1,600 certified organic farmers but has vast potential to expand such production.
“The guide was a way to strengthen our community of practice, provide a technical reference, and give voice to a growing movement,” says Guedes. “It shows that organic farming is not just an alternative—it is a viable, competitive path for the future of Bahia and Brazil.”
Beyond publications and policy frameworks, Guedes continues to engage directly with farmers, cooperatives, and local organizations. His efforts have supported initiatives in agroforestry, restoration of cabruca cacao systems, organic certification, and rural cooperativism. He also emphasizes the urgency of tackling pesticide dependence in Brazil by scaling bioinputs, reducing certification barriers, and strengthening public policies.
Guedes embodies the bridge between grassroots farmers and high-level policymaking. His work highlights how technical training, knowledge exchange, and collaborative leadership can advance both environmental and social goals in Brazil’s agricultural frontier.
by Mabel Ludka, updated September 25, 2025
The transition is not simple, but with more technology, information, and supportive policies, we can ensure healthy food on people’s tables and a more balanced future for all.
Thiago Guedes
