On 7 April 2026, the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) published a report entitled “Amazon Bioeconomy: Policy Review and Strategic Recommendations”. Following a nine month field study in the Brazilian Amazon, the authors conclude that developing the bioeconomy – the sustainable use of forest resources to produce food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and ecotourism – is the only viable path to break the vicious cycle of “deforestation – cattle pasture – soyabeans”.

The report notes that current Amazon GDP comes mainly from mining, livestock and soy, which drive deforestation of about 20,000 km² per year. The bioeconomy, based on products such as açaí, cocoa, rubber and essential oils, accounts for only 2% of regional GDP. Modelling shows that with active policies (including simplified sustainable harvesting permits, start up subsidies, and a “forest friendly” certification system), the bioeconomy could generate USD 120 billion annually for the Amazon by 2040 – more than the combined value of today’s pasture and soy – while reducing deforestation by 70%. The OECD recommends the creation of an “Amazon Bioeconomy Fund” capitalised by international donors, the federal government and the private sector, with an initial size of USD 5 billion. Brazil’s Environment Ministry responded that the report will be a key reference for the “National Bioeconomy Strategy”, expected to be released by the end of 2026.