Brazil stands out as a giant actor in food production and export, but this renown is mostly linked to agricultural commodities, which are essential raw materials in several industries. This position has been accomplished through plenty of research and development of new production techniques in tropical climates and related technologies. However, we might ask: how has this research and innovation reached the countryside? And what about the products from smaller chains or with higher added value?
We have already addressed CNA’s technical and managerial assistance projects several times here and, if you’ve followed our articles, you’ve already understood the significance of these projects for transferring knowledge, therefore turning technical and scientific content into a practical and accessible language to Brazilian Farmers.
And how critical is this type of service for the international market? Foreign and Brazilian consumers are increasingly demanding regarding products they buy, and almost every day new challenges emerge, ones related to the production’s proper certification and logistical planning. The rural producers live and work in this changing scenario and, although we often forget it, they are entrepreneurs and therefore must carefully balance the costs of their production and distribution with the implementation of new techniques and the quality and safety of their products.
Firstly, projects such as ATeG, ATeG + Exportação [Export], and AgroBR aid rural producers meet these challenges. Technical assistance may include guidance on modern agricultural practices, efficient use of natural resources, and implementation of cutting-edge agricultural technologies, among others. On the other hand, management assistance addresses issues such as financial management, strategic planning, marketing, and access to markets.
This assistance, in addition to supporting the production’s technical aspects, also makes it possible to increase the Brazilian rural producers’ competitiveness on the international market, allowing them to produce more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably. It not only benefits producers but also adds to the country’s economy as a whole. The assistance also provides access to the international market to less significant chains (such as fruits, jams, cocoa, chocolate, and nuts production), whether in bulk sales or packaged products with higher added value.