EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISA AGROPECUARIA EMBRAPA

Their core work

EMBRAPA is Brazil's federal agricultural research corporation — one of the largest tropical agriculture research institutions in the world. In H2020, they contributed expertise in tropical and subtropical crop science (particularly citrus disease prevention), aquaculture of low trophic species, and soil carbon sequestration. Their role bridges Southern Hemisphere agricultural knowledge with European research needs, offering unique expertise in tropical ecosystems, Amazon region dynamics, and warm-climate food production systems.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EMBRAPA's early H2020 involvement (2015–2017) focused on social science and environmental research — historical land use patterns and Amazon ecosystem dynamics. From 2019 onward, they shifted decisively toward applied agricultural and marine science: aquaculture production, citrus disease prevention, and soil carbon management. This evolution reflects a move from observational research toward practical food system challenges with direct economic and environmental impact.

EMBRAPA is moving toward applied, production-oriented research in aquaculture and crop protection, making them increasingly relevant for EU projects targeting food security and sustainable agriculture.

How they like to work

EMBRAPA has never coordinated an H2020 project, consistently joining as a participant or third party — typical for non-EU organizations contributing specialized regional expertise. With 101 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, they operate in large, internationally diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This pattern makes them a reliable contributor who brings tropical agriculture expertise to broad European-led research efforts without seeking to drive project direction.

Despite only 5 projects, EMBRAPA has connected with 101 partners across 28 countries, reflecting participation in large international consortia. Their network spans Europe widely but their distinctive value is as a bridge to South American and tropical research capacity.

What sets them apart

EMBRAPA is one of the world's top tropical agriculture research bodies, giving European consortia access to Brazilian field sites, tropical crop expertise, and Southern Hemisphere perspectives that few other partners can offer. Their dual strength in aquaculture and crop protection — both grounded in tropical conditions — makes them especially valuable for Atlantic-spanning food security projects. For any consortium needing a credible, well-resourced Brazilian research partner, EMBRAPA is the default choice.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AquaVitae
  Their only funded project (EUR 239,655), focused on Atlantic aquaculture — a direct EU-Brazil collaboration under the Belém Statement on Atlantic research cooperation.
• PRE-HLB
  Addresses the existential threat of Huanglongbing to European citrus, with EMBRAPA contributing Brazil's extensive experience fighting this disease in its own citrus industry.