
Testimonial
Lighthouse Farm Academy participant Marcelo Pimenta
This programme is perfect for anyone who wants to explore what farming of the future looks like. It provides a clear framework and use cases to start the discussion.
With a background in data science and risk analysis, Marcelo Pimenta, joined the Lighthouse Farm Academy to tackle the challenge of connecting Brazilian farmers with financial lenders. With only 1 in 5 farmers having access to formal credit, Marcelo sought to create transparency and traceability for lenders and help farmers adopt sustainable practices.
Before joining the programme, I faced three challenges: turning theoretical knowledge into practical experience, struggling to define measurable sustainability, and overestimating the power of digital tools. Lighthouse helped me bridge these gaps, showing that trust-building with farmers is just as crucial as data-driven solutions.
I thought technology alone could drive change, but I realised it requires much more face-to-face interaction with farmers. The reality on the ground is completely different from what you see on a computer screen.
The programme gave me the tools to develop a portfolio system for investors, identifying the best farmers and areas for sustainable investments. I used over 140 data sources to evaluate farmer readiness and predict performance during droughts or floods. I also developed a set of services that serve APPs to help smallholder farmers assess and check the payment risk from intermediaries, promoting greater financial transparency and accountability.
I wanted to understand what sustainability really means, how to measure it, and how to standardise this information for investors and lenders.
The diverse cohort exposed me to perspectives from the farming, corporate, NGO, and investment sectors and taught me how similar frameworks can adapt to different contexts, such as survival farming in Indonesia or high-tech agriculture in the Netherlands.
A pivotal moment for me was meeting Programme Manager Miel Hooijdonk, whose rebellious approach inspired me to challenge outdated systems. This experience reshaped my leadership style and strengthened my determination to drive meaningful change in agriculture.
Lighthouse Farm Academy exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the tools and mindset to transform Brazil’s agricultural sector through transparency and innovation.