Last Wednesday (August 10th), in Brasília, the National Agribusiness Meeting gathered 3.5 thousand rural producers and leaders, as well as rural unions. The event was an opportunity for Brazilian farmers from all over the country to exchange information and take part in discussions about the sector’s law-making agenda for the next four years.
An extensive program included debates, analyses of economic and political scenarios and the sector’s law-making agenda, and lectures on food safety, environment, and communication. Some of CNA’s main projects were presented, such as the National Commission of Women, the ATeG Award, the 5th edition of Young CNA, and Hub Space.
Viviane Lima, from the city of Diorama (GO), invested in research and contacts with other producers. “We came to learn more information and find out about the future of agribusiness in the country and, especially, in our city, where agriculture has increased a lot,” she said.
Raquel Steffler, a rural producer from Paraná, visited the National Rural Learning Service’s (SENAR) Professional Education and Social Promotion Board (DEPPS) showroom. There, she could try virtual reality glasses that simulated the manufacturing processes and facilities of an artisanal cheese factory. “It was wonderful. The feeling was that I was in another place!”
For Bruno Lopes, a rural producer from the Federal District, it was gratifying to be welcomed at the meeting and to clarify questions about CNA’s projects that serve small producers. “The small producer often thinks that there is no market for him or that there is nobody to help him, but we can see it’s otherwise,” he points out.
Political and economic scenario
At the opening ceremony, the preliminary document “What we expect from the next rulers” were presented, with the presence of Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, some ministers of State, congresspeople, and leaders of the productive sector.
In his speech, CNA’s president, João Martins, highlighted the event’s relevance, bringing together producers, federations, and rural unions from North to South of Brazil. “Brazil has to position itself as a world leader. We are aware of our role, but we can do much more for the country besides producing,” he said.
President Jair Bolsonaro reinforced the importance of rural producers during the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that family farming and agribusiness “are one family” and that 1 billion people in the world depend on Brazilian products.