AGRONOSSO NEWS

Maracaju, Brazil – May 2025

During the final day of Showtec 2025, one of Brazil is largest agribusiness technology fairs, the Wintex Agro Brasil stand hosted an insightful and lively podcast featuring Professor Fábio Mascarenhas, a prominent academic from the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD). Known for his expertise in agribusiness and his role as the creator of the Agrociência Podcast, Professor Mascarenhas took the microphone not as an interviewer, but as a guest — a rare role reversal that allowed him to share his vision of a better-informed, more sustainable agricultural sector.

“Brazilian Agriculture Is Already Sustainable”

Opening the conversation, Professor Mascarenhas made it clear: Brazilian agriculture, and especially that of Mato Grosso do Sul, is sustainable by both practice and legislation. “Our legal framework is one of the strictest in the world,” he explained, highlighting that 20% of farmland must legally be preserved as native vegetation. “Imagine a five-room house where one room must remain untouched — thats what its like for our farmers.”

He also stressed the misconception around agrochemicals. Contrary to the popular narrative that paints producers as careless, Mascarenhas argued that no one wants to waste money: “Agrochemicals — yes, lets call them by their legal name — are expensive. No farmer in their right mind uses more than necessary. Its not just about compliance; its about economic survival.”

From Science to Field, from Field to Podcast

As a professor, Mascarenhas integrates his academic work with outreach through the Agrociência Podcast, which he describes as an “extension” of the university is mission. The podcast, which features interviews with researchers, producers, and agricultural specialists, aims to demystify agribusiness and combat misinformation. “The rural sector knows how to produce, but it still struggles to communicate. Thats where we come in,” he said.

Fighting Fake News — One Episode at a Time

A major theme of the podcast is tackling fake news in the agribusiness space. “People still believe, for instance, that chickens are given hormones to grow faster. Thats illegal in Brazil. But misinformation spreads because people repeat what they hear without checking,” he noted. One memorable episode about eggs even revealed that washing them before storage can cause spoilage — just one example of the show is accessible, science-based content.

The Slogan Says It All

The podcast is motto — “Information is the best pesticide against the plague of fake news” — captures Mascarenhas mission. Through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Agrociência shares content in formats ranging from full-length interviews to short clips. The goal? To inform not just producers, but society at large about the realities of modern farming.

Looking Forward

As Showtec 2025 wrapped up, Professor Mascarenhas left the door open for continued collaboration, including further appearances on Rede Top FM and Agronosso News. “We need to share this knowledge,” he said, “from Mato Grosso do Sul to the rest of Brazil — and across the ocean to Europe.”

For more episodes and agro-education, follow Agrociência Podcast on YouTube and social media, or visit their website at agrocienciapodcast.com.br. To learn more about Showtec 2025 and Wintex Agro Brasil, visit portalshowtec.com.br and wintexagrobrasil.com.br or see complete podcast in AGRONOSSO YOUTUBE