On 28th July 2025, Valerie Pondaven and Micael De Andrade Lima from the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) embarked on a strategic visit to São Paulo, Brazil, to explore emerging opportunities in agricultural innovation and startup ecosystems. Their mission was to understand how Brazil’s place-based innovation models could inform and inspire NRI’s work in sustainable food systems.
The visit began with insightful discussions at the São Paulo Supermarket Association (APAS), where the delegation gained valuable intelligence on Brazil’s evolving food market. Topics ranged from consumer trends and product innovation to the dynamics of retail engagement. The knowledge gathered will help NRI tailor its approach to local partnerships and market entry.
At the British Consulate General, Valerie and Micael met with representatives from FCDO to explore funding opportunities and collaborative frameworks. A key highlight was the introduction to AgNest - a pioneering Farm Lab located in Jaguariúna, São Paulo. AgNest serves as a living lab for agtech companies, offering infrastructure and real-world testing environments. Start-ups are actively using its facilities to validate technologies focused on agri-tech. They also discussed Brazil’s national priorities around land restoration and the development of the São Paulo Food Corridor.
Natural Resources Institute: https://nri.org
Ag-Nest: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agnest-farm-lab/
Micael De Andrade Lima: https://www.nri.org/about/people/staff/lima-andrade-de-micael
Valerie Pondaven: https://www.nri.org/about/people/staff/pondaven-valerie