Summary: Embrapa is launching the Low Carbon Corn (LCC) and Low Carbon Sorghum (LCSg) programs to boost the competitiveness of Brazilian agriculture in sustainability-focused markets. Launching on March 11, 2026—coinciding with Embrapa Maize and Sorghum’s 50th anniversary—the initiatives will use scientific protocols to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per ton of grain, ultimately creating an innovative product certification label. A public call for supporting institutions will follow in August 2026.
Embrapa Launches Low Carbon Corn and Sorghum Certification Programs
Brazil — March 11, 2026
The launch of the Low Carbon Corn (LCC) and Low Carbon Sorghum (LCSg) programs by Embrapa represents a milestone to strengthen sustainable agricultural production in Brazil. The initiatives offer concrete alternatives to the impacts of climate change and expand opportunities for Brazilian corn and sorghum to compete in markets that are increasingly demanding in terms of sustainability.
The work will be based on technical and scientific criteria to measure the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per ton of produced grain. These new programs build upon Embrapa’s previous success with Low Carbon Beef, Soybeans, and Wheat concept brands.
- Phase 1 (Development & Validation): Develop LCC and LCSg protocols and register them with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa). Guidelines will be validated during a three-year production cycle at observation units to calculate the carbon balance.
- Phase 2 (Implementation): The certification seal will be rolled out to the market through accredited certifiers following a strict Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system.
“The public notices for the Low Carbon Corn and Low Carbon Sorghum programs encourage the adoption of more resilient production systems and promote the transition to a sustainable economy,” said researcher Alexandre Ferreira da Silva. “Embrapa understands that decarbonizing crop and livestock production is one of the biggest challenges in Brazilian agriculture.”
Unlike traditional certifications, these concept brands focus on the product rather than the property, emphasizing the balance between GHG emissions and removals without sacrificing crop productivity.
Cynthia Damasceno, Head of Research and Development at Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, noted that public-private partnerships will be critical. “The engagement of the private sector, through the public call, will enable the execution of activities and the delivery of the validated protocol. Together, science and the market are building a more sustainable and resilient future for Brazilian agriculture.”
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