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Silent control and growing land inequality worry authorities and expose serious flaws in state oversight
One of the silent appropriation of Brazilian lands by foreign investors has raised strong concerns among experts and authorities. Additionally, there are several leisure, the phenomenon advances in a way discreet and strategic, making control more difficult.
The topic was widely discussed in September 30th, 2025, during the International Symposium on Property and Foreigners, carried out in USP Law School, in Sao Paulo. That is why, experts warn that the lack of transparency and effective regulation About the subject.
According to National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra), 1% of landowners own 46% of Brazilian land, reinforcing land concentration and inequality in the countryside. In this way, the scenario reveals a structural and urgent problem.
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For the researchers present, this international advance represents a direct threat to national sovereignty e to food security, And weaken the social function of property.
Legal appropriation and failures of state control
During the panel “Foreignization and Land Grabbing”, the lawyer Ney Strozake, from Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), highlighted the legal performance of foreign companies to control national lands. Like this, the process takes place legally, but outside the reach of inspection.
These companies use Brazilian subsidiaries to escape the legal restrictions imposed by the federal government. However, this method, despite being discreet, expands foreign control over the territory.
He explained that such companies produce commodities for export, such as soybeans, cotton and cellulose, without contributing for internal supply. On the other hand, local communities are displaced, living without access to basic services e in a situation of poverty.
Strozake stated that control of land use is the duty of the Stateaccording to federal Constitution. Additionally, there are several leisure, argued that the lack of supervision compromises the sovereignty and social function of property.
The lawyer proposed the creation of a consortium between universities and civil associations, able to pressure the federal government e strengthen Incra's budget. Thus, it would be possible regain control over the national territory.
Disguised foreign capital and growing land speculation
The Economist Sergio Pereira Leite, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), stated that Incra's official figures underestimate foreign control. In fact, many international investors use national funds to disguise the origin of the capital.
He explained that the Fiagro (Investment Fund in Agro-Industrial Production Chains) allow the entry of external resources without clear identificationOr this makes inspection difficult.
Between 2005 and 2023, the number of international funds specializing in land jumped from 43 to 960. Thereby, Brazil has become one of the main destinations for these global agricultural investments.
According to Leite, institutions such as Harvard University and the TIAA fund operate in the country through national companies, masking its origin. Consequently, that raises land prices and feeds land speculation.
Em Luís Eduardo Magalhães (BA), the value of the land rose 600% between 2001 and 2020, while inflation in the period was 230%. Therefore, the economic impact is evident.
Community displacement and social impacts
Leite warned that the advance of foreign capital causes forced displacements de farmers, indigenous people and quilombolas. Additionally, there are several leisure, the silent expulsion of these populations threatens traditional ways of life.
Cases registered in Saint Raymond Nonato (PI) e Cotegipe (BA) show the occupation of large productive areas by international funds. Like this, entire communities lose their territories.
The economist defends the urgent strengthening of Incra, which today does not have adequate structure to monitor land transactions. That is why, he calls for more investment and permanent monitoring.
Leite warned that without effective public policies and continuous control, the country may lose control over their productive lands. Logo, food sovereignty and security are threatened.
Land sovereignty and gender inequality in rural areas
The lawyer Monica Sapucaia Machado, from Brazilian Institute of Education, Development and Research (IDP), stated that the foreignization of land goes beyond the agrarian issue. In fact, it is about a debate on development, democracy and decolonization in Latin America.
Machado highlighted the gender inequality in the countryside, remembering that women control only 1% of the world's agricultural land, although they represent 40% of the rural workforce.
Additionally, there are several leisure, she stated that this exclusion limits female participation in decisions about ownership and sustainability. Like this, the topic needs to be integrated into the debate on land sovereignty.
Ownership model and invisibility of traditional peoples
The teacher Adriana Espíndola Corrêa, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), highlighted that the Brazilian land model has historically ignored traditional communities. Thus, indigenous peoples and quilombolas remain without territorial recognition.
She explained that community forms of land occupation are often disregarded by public policies. Consequently, this increases land conflicts.
The teacher quoted the case of an Italian fashion company, which became one of the largest landowners in Argentina. In this process, acquired territories occupied by the Mapuche indigenous people, that ended culturally and socially invisible.
What does the future hold for Brazil?
Experts argue that the federal government must act quickly to regulate foreign control over national lands. For this, it will be essential strengthen Incra e review rural investment legislation.
Additionally, there are several leisure, it will be necessary ensure transparency in land transactions e establish clear limits on international presence in the field.
Meanwhile, the advance of foreign capital and the silent expulsion of communities show that the dispute over land in Brazil is far from over.
Therefore, the country will have to choose between a firm and sovereign policy ou a model that favors foreign interests.
And you, do you think Brazil should tighten controls on foreign investment in agricultural land or allow the advance of foreign capital in search of economic development?
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I must say this article is extremely well written, insightful, and packed with valuable knowledge that shows the author's deep expertise on the subject, and I truly appreciate the time and effort that has gone into creating such high-quality content because it is not only helpful but also inspiring for readers like me who are always looking for trustworthy resources online. Keep up the good work and write more. i am a follower.