Brazilian Agricultural Development, 1950–1985

Between 1950 and 1985, the United States provided an ongoing flow of resources to support Brazilian agriculture. These were granted regardless of the orientation of the dominant political party in both countries. This book documents the Cold War-driven aid programs, the private capital, and investment from American philanthropists that laid the foundation for economic development to soar in Brazil through to today. Earl Richard Downes explains how Brazil became a major catalyst for change with US assistance and a military government. This rich history includes conflict over land titles, displacement of farm laborers, environmental damage, as well as political and social turbulence. The book breaks down how Brazil's military inserted itself into major components of the agricultural revolution, including mechanization, fertilization, credit, technical assistance, research, processing, and marketing. Chapters break down the global impact made through the frameworks and models used to develop Brazilian agriculture. Downes also offers insight into the nation’s first agricultural research corporation, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). Earl Richard Downes (1947–2024) was a military officer, private-sector activist, and civilian educator. He held a Bachelor of Science in Latin American Studies from the US Air Force Academy, a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida, and a PhD in Latin American History from the University of Texas at Austin. Downes dedicated his career to improving US Latin American relations.