The Brazilian fruit sector is set to enhance its operations through a protocol of intentions, involving the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of São Paulo (SAA) and the Secretariat of Agriculture, Supply and Rural Development of the Federal District (Seagri). This initiative aims to foster advancements in red fruit cultivation, with a focus on family farming.
The protocol, to be formalized in March at the Fruit Attraction 2025 event, seeks to establish a framework for worker training, technical assistance, and information exchange. Edson Fernandes, Executive Secretary of SAA, notes that "technical cooperation in the area of fruit growing, especially red fruits, will promote, in an even more incisive way, this important sector in both states."
This collaboration is a precursor to a more extensive partnership, which will include a technical cooperation agreement. The focus is on experience-sharing and supporting family farming to drive sector growth and introduce new producers. Rafael Borges Bueno, Secretary of Agriculture for the Federal District, states, "São Paulo has a lot to offer us in terms of agricultural production. We will also make our knowledge available to benefit rural men and women in São Paulo and the Federal District."
The meeting, held at the Comprehensive Technical Assistance Coordination (CATI) in Campinas, aligns with the Frutas Vermelhas SP Project. Since 2018, this project has enabled São Paulo producers to diversify crops, adding value and creating business opportunities. The project currently supports 43 registered producers, with CATI offering blueberry and raspberry seedlings to stimulate new market entries.
São Paulo's fruit sector achieved a 13% growth in exports, with lemons and limes leading at $121 million. This cooperation is expected to bolster red fruit production and technical exchanges.
Source: Abrafrutas