# Agricultural sustainability and fertilizer autonomy in South > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-sustainability-and-fertilizer-autonomy-in-south > Updated: 2026-09-03T03:05:36.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Efforts to enhance agricultural sustainability and autonomy in Brazil and Venezuela have focused on technological research and the development of alternative fertilizers. In Brazil, academic research has highlighted the efficiency of hydroponic systems, such as the Nutrient Film Technique, which offers higher water efficiency and superior plant quality compared to organic methods. Additionally, studies into biomass utilization have explored producing biochar through the pyrolysis of residual lignins from sugarcane bagasse and coconut mesocarp. Building on these sustainability goals, Brazil is working to reduce its high dependency on imported nutrients through its National Fertilizer Plan, aiming to cut imports by half by 2050 by utilizing the country’s significant annual waste production. Meanwhile, in Mérida, Venezuela, authorities are proposing to use local phosphate rock to replace synthetic agrochemicals, with plans to develop an artisanal process to produce 500 tons of phosphate daily for organic fertilizers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Brazil and Venezuela pursue organic fertilizer alternatives Brazil and Venezuela are pursuing organic fertilizer initiatives to reduce reliance on imported synthetic agrochemicals and enhance agricultural sustainability. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-and-venezuela-pursue-organic-fertilizer-alternatives ### 2026-08-27: Agricultural research in Brazil explores hydroponics and biochar Academic studies in Brazil highlight the advantages of hydroponic lettuce cultivation and the potential for producing biochar from sugarcane and coconut biomass residues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/agricultural-research-in-brazil-explores-hydroponics-and-biochar --- Cite as: Agricultural sustainability and fertilizer autonomy in South. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-sustainability-and-fertilizer-autonomy-in-south