Created by the CNA/SENAR System, CNA Jovem celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, aiming to develop new leaders for the agricultural sector. The program fosters innovation and trains young professionals for strategic positions in farms, cooperatives, associations, and other agribusiness organizations in Brazil.
Lucas Lopes de Castro, one of the program’s participants, saw his career take a new turn after joining CNA Jovem. A third-generation soybean and corn producer from Rio Verde, Goiás, Lucas began his leadership path through local initiatives. Encouraged by members of his city’s Rural Union, he joined FAEG Jovem, an initiative by the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Goiás (FAEG).
At FAEG, Lucas took an active part in discussions on key industry issues, as well as connecting with influential leaders such as José Mário Schreiner, President of the Federation, and Alexandre Câmara, a technical advisor at the Rural Union of Rio Verde. His engagement led him to undertake regional demands at state and national levels, including at the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA).
In 2018, when FAEG’s Young Commission was created, Lucas took on a leadership role and eventually became the president of the committee. Seeking to expand his influence, he applied for CNA Jovem and successfully advanced through state and national stages.
A New Perspective for Agribusiness
The CNA Jovem experience gave Lucas a broader understanding of management, leadership, and economics in agribusiness. He realized how public policy decisions made in Brasília directly impact inland cities and agricultural production chains.
During the program, Lucas developed an innovative logistics project integrating road, rail, and waterway transport to optimize the flow of agricultural production. His plan connected Rio Verde’s dry port to the North-South Railway and São Simão Port on the Paranaíba River, easing access to the Southeast region.
After CNA Jovem, the project was presented to FAEG and later integrated into other state government initiatives, helping improve agribusiness logistics in Goiás.
The Legacy of CNA Jovem
Since participating in the program, Lucas has continued to improve his education. Graduating in agronomy in 2021, he now works in market development for a multinational company. His role involves frequent travel across Goiás and the Triângulo Mineiro region in Minas Gerais, leading training sessions and events, and implementing strategies for the sector.
Lucas says CNA Jovem was a key turning point in his career:
“It was a game changer. It gave me a new perspective, opened opportunities, and helped shape my career. Now, I want to keep improving my leadership and management skills to continue adding to Brazilian agribusiness.”