In Casa Nova, Pernambuco, Guilherme Coelho's Santa Felicidade farm spans 230 hectares, producing 8,000 tons of mangoes and grapes annually. This area, alongside Petrolina and Juazeiro, forms Brazil's largest fruit cultivation hub. In 2023, these fruits significantly contributed to exports, with mangoes and grapes earning US$312 million and US$178.8 million, respectively. The São Francisco Valley, enriched by the São Francisco River, is pivotal, with Coelho noting, "For every 100 containers of mangoes exported, 98 leave the São Francisco Valley; in grapes, there are 95."
Brazil's agricultural exports extend to 203 countries, with 1,900 items listed by Secex in 2023. The country has been proactive in sealing trade agreements, closing 78 in 2023 and opening 16 markets in the first two months of 2024 alone. Roberto Perosa from Mapa highlighted the strategic expansion into diverse markets, emphasizing the role of diplomatic efforts and international cooperation in these achievements.
Fruit cultivation, though a smaller segment of Brazil's trade balance, is gaining momentum, with US$1.2 billion in exports in 2023. The sector's growth is not just economic but also social, particularly in semi-arid regions where it significantly impacts employment and local development. Efforts to open new markets, such as recent access to South Africa and India for avocados, are crucial for the sector's expansion. Marcelo Vitali of How2Go emphasizes the importance of government involvement in facilitating international trade through addressing logistical and phytosanitary challenges.
Source: abrafrutas.org