One of the largest global producers of corn, soy, cotton, and corn ethanol is looking to Nebraska, via the University of Nebraska and the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI), for aid in mapping out the region’s available surface and groundwater resources for sustainable irrigation development.

Governor Mauro Mendes of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, recently met with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen during the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference to discuss opportunities for partnership between the two states.

“We are looking forward to a partnership with Nebraska, because Nebraska has the components of education, agricultural research, irrigation sector and the governance of water,” said Mendes during remarks at the conference interpreted by Dr. Christopher Neale, DWFI Director of Research. “Nebraska and Mato Grosso have similarities, they are both in the center of their countries and are both food-producing states.”

Gov. Mendes explained that sustainable irrigation expansion will play an important role in meeting its ambitious goals because it will intensify production while taking pressure off the natural ecosystems. Mato Grosso is geographically large enough to encompass both Germany and Spain combined, and eight months of rain allows for two growing seasons, which produce $21.6 billion in exports.

Gov. Mauro Mendes, Mato Grosso, Brazil, remarks translated by Dr. Christopher Neale, DWFI
2023 Water for Food remarks - Mato Grosso Gov. Mendes 24:05