Investment in R&D has resulted in high growth in Brazilian scientific knowledge, particularly within tropical agriculture. Embrapa has provided comprehensive recommendations ranging from how to correct acid soils and low fertility, the development of varieties that are adapted to the low latitudes and higher temperatures of tropical environments, and to pest and disease control and production systems. Universities also produce high level research in areas complementing Embrapa’s activities, such as in nutrition, health and the environment. This mechanism facilitates participation in global or regional agricultural research networks. Embrapa is also actively collaborating on technology transfer and adaptive research with developing economies, with an emphasis on tropical areas in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.