EN 
PT_BR 
A cadeia produtiva da soja e o contexto geopolítico global
A cadeia produtiva da soja e do biodiesel no Brasil está conectada ao contexto geopolítico global, influenciando e sendo influenciada por disputas comerciais, acordos ambientais internacionais e políticas energéticas. Como maior produtor e exportador mundial de soja in natura e com participação expressiva na oferta global de derivados, o Brasil desempenha um papel estratégico no abastecimento dessas commodities, especialmente para grandes economias como China, União Europeia e Estados Unidos. Ao determinar a demanda por soja e derivados do Brasil, a dinâmica geopolítica impacta o mercado de trabalho do setor, refletindo-se nos investimentos, na demanda por mão de obra e no desenvolvimento regional.
Photos: Rafael Althoff
Brazilian soybeans are a strategic asset for global food security, being essential for animal and human nutrition. In recent years, trade tensions between China and the United States have strengthened Brazil's position as a supplier of soybeans to the Chinese market, boosting employment throughout the production chain, especially in the primary segment.
On the other hand, the growing dependence on the Chinese market increases Brazil's vulnerability to changes in trade tariffs or sanctions, impacting jobs and incomes in the production chain. In addition, the European Union's environmental policies impose restrictions on products linked to deforestation, requiring adjustments in agricultural practices to ensure competitiveness in the global market.
Biodiesel production is also part of this geopolitical context, as it relates to the global energy transition. Many countries are seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, creating opportunities for Brazil to expand its biofuel production. Policies such as mandatory blending of biodiesel with diesel and incentives for the energy transition have strengthened direct and indirect jobs in the sector.
Evolution of employment in the soybean and biodiesel production chain
According to Cepea data, the number of people employed in the production chain grew from 1.14 million in 2012 to 2.32 million in 2023, reflecting the expansion of production and the growing global demand for soybeans and derivatives. The agribusiness services segment was the one that grew the most in absolute terms, going from 793 thousand to more than 1.6 million people employed in the period. The primary segment (soybean cultivation) also showed significant growth, going from 214 thousand to 479 thousand jobs, driven by the expansion of the planted area and offset by the adoption of technologies that increase productivity and reduce the demand for low-skilled labor.
Foto: Divulgação/IDR-PR
The formalization of employment and the increase in schooling were also notable. Information from Cepea indicates that the proportion of workers with a high school diploma increased from 39,72% in 2012 to 46,58% in 2023, while those with higher education increased from 17,37% to 26,26% in the same period. The increasing mechanization and automation of the production chain tend to reduce the demand for less qualified jobs, increasing the need for specialized professionals and reinforcing the importance of investments in education and training.
A distribuição por gênero se manteve relativamente estável entre 2012 e 2023, com 65% da força de trabalho composta por homens e 35% por mulheres. Ainda que a participação feminina tenha se mantido estável, o crescimento do número de mulheres ocupadas nessa cadeia produtiva reflete iniciativas de inclusão no agronegócio e a mecanização, que reduz a necessidade de trabalho braçal pesado, tradicionalmente executado por homens.
Economic policies have been key to sustaining employment in the sector. The mandatory blending of biodiesel with diesel has boosted production and generated direct and indirect jobs. In addition, incentives for biofuels promote sustainable development and the expansion of the sector. Other initiatives include strengthening logistics infrastructure and facilitating access to rural credit, allowing for more investment in technology and increased production.
Trends and challenges
Foto: Divulgação/Sindiveg
The sector will continue to evolve with greater automation and digitalization, reducing the need for low-skilled labor and increasing the demand for skilled workers. The inclusion of women and young people in the labor market should also be encouraged through training and incentive programs. In terms of production, challenges include adapting to climate change and the need to ensure sustainability in agricultural expansion to meet the demands of trading partners.
O Brasil encontra-se em uma posição estratégica, mas vulnerável, dentro da geopolítica global da produção de soja e biodiesel. O sucesso do setor dependerá da capacidade do País de diversificar mercados, adaptar-se a padrões de sustentabilidade e fortalecer políticas de incentivo ao emprego qualificado. O crescimento do emprego no setor reflete a dinâmica de produção e a adoção de tecnologia, que geram maior demanda por mão de obra qualificada e promovem melhores condições salariais. O desafio será equilibrar modernização e inclusão social, garantindo oportunidades para um número crescente de trabalhadores e promovendo um agronegócio sustentável e competitivo no cenário global.
