A recent study of seven arabica farms in Minas Gerais, Brazil, indicates that regenerative agriculture practices can be economically viable and productive. The research, led by the Brazilian arm of the Global Coffee Platform, analyzed the financial, agronomic, and environmental performance of farms in the South of Minas and Cerrado Mineiro regions already implementing these methods.
The study found that effective operating costs on the participating farms ranged from R$488.41 to R$745.61 per 60-kg bag, all below the state benchmark of R$768.80 published by Brazil’s National Supply Company (CONAB). Furthermore, average productivity was 45 bags per hectare, exceeding the 2025 national average of 30.4 bags. The authors noted that while the results are positive, the small sample size means they cannot be generalized, and the study does not prove a direct causal link between the practices and the outcomes.
The analysis also revealed important agronomic insights, particularly regarding soil health. While topsoil conditions were favorable, tests at depths of 20 to 80 centimeters showed mineral imbalances that could restrict root growth. In terms of environmental impact, modeling estimated that carbon removals from the coffee production systems surpassed their emissions. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers were identified as the largest source of emissions, accounting for 46% of the total.