Over its 33 years of operation, the National Rural Apprenticeship Service (SENAR) has established itself as a pillar of change in Brazilian rural areas, with learning initiatives aimed at workers and producers. The Technical and Management Assistance (ATeG) was created 11 years ago and represented a milestone in offering rural producers specific, continuous, and free two-year assistance. This innovative methodology not only trains professionals but also changes the reality of thousands of families in the countryside.
National Scope and Various Activities
ATeG covers 84% of Brazilian cities, serving 4,677 locations in all of SENAR’s 27 regional authorities. If SENAR’s ATeG service area formed a country, it would be the size of five Argentinas. Its area of operation exceeds 14 million hectares, 92% of which correspond to small farms, reflecting the majority profile of the public served.
Encompassing more than 30 production activities, ATeG assistance is essential in segments such as dairy farming (24.5%), fruit growing (14.3%), and beef cattle farming (13.8%), among others. This direct support is provided by a network of 6,718 field technicians and service providers, showing the robustness of the model.
Significant Results in 2024
Since its creation, ATeG has benefited 387,098 rural producers. In 2024 alone, 72,290 new rural premises were served, totaling 192,555 properties served in 2024. This year, rural producers welcomed 1.49 million technical visits, adding to a total of 5.1 million visits since 2014.
Dairy farming, the highlight among the activities performed, recorded 327,088 visits to 44,283 farms. As well as leading the market regarding traded volume (66%), this production chain achieved revenues of R$ 2.13 billion in 2024, a 17% increase from the previous year.
The Profile of Assisted Producers
With an average age of 48, the producers assisted by ATeG have different educational levels: 42% have a high school education, 35% have an elementary school education, and 12% have a higher education degree. This profile reinforces the significance of a program that combines technique and management, promoting the sustainable development of farms.
Economic Challenges and Impacts
Although dairy farming revenues have grown, its costs have also increased. In 2024, dairy farmers’ expenses were 18% higher than in 2023, with concentrated feed being the main factor, accounting for 12% of total expenses.
Commitment to Countryside’s Future
SENAR’s ATeG is more than technical assistance; it is a tool for social and economic change. By training producers and fostering sustainable practices, the program confirms its commitment to the Brazilian countryside’s future, ensuring greater competitiveness and quality of life for those people who devote their lives to the land.
With a sound methodology and clear results, SENAR continues to write a history of success and development in the countryside. May the coming years be even more promising for the agriculture and livestock sector in Brazil.
Author: Luana Frossard – Zootechnician, MSc. in Animal Science