CNA Jovem: Connecting Young Leaders to the Future of Brazilian Agriculture

12/02/2024

 

In 2024, the CNA Jovem program celebrates ten years of shaping leaders for the Brazilian agribusiness sector. Focused on innovation, management, and sustainable solutions, it equips the next generation with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges in the sector.

Stories that Inspire Change

Participants like Paula and Marcelo Hofmeister highlight the program’s impact. Paula visited Silicon Valley, where she explored technological innovations for agriculture. “It was a transformative experience, pushing me to think globally and how we can apply tech in farming to increase productivity sustainably,” she says.

Inspired by his sister, Marcelo joined the 2020 cohort and created a financial education project for smallholder farmers. “Through CNA Jovem, I learned to separate personal from business finances, helping farmers improve their property management,” he explains. The success of his project expanded into international markets.

Impact on a New Generation of Leaders

Since its launching, CNA Jovem has trained over 2 thousand young people, many of whom now lead significant projects and perform leadership roles. “Our goal is to form a new generation of leaders committed to the future of agriculture. The program offers practical training in management, innovation, and sustainability,” says José Maria Silva, Program Coordinator.

Connecting Brazil to the World

The program also enables international visibility for participants, offering opportunities to engage with global innovations and perspectives. For instance, Paula Hofmeister’s trip to Silicon Valley allowed her to explore cutting-edge agricultural technologies, which she later applied to her work in Brazil. Such experiences help broaden their understanding and strengthen the connection between Brazilian agribusiness and the global market.