Hurricane Hilary, which hit the United States last month, affecting fruit production, has opened up new horizons for grape producers in Brazil’s São Francisco Valley. There is the prospect of an increase of around 35% compared to the last major harvest in 2021 when the São Francisco Valley exported 14.39 thousand tons of grapes to the US. That is why producers gathered in Petrolina, Pernambuco, on Wednesday to meet with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
During the meeting at the Rural Producers Union of Petrolina (SPR), fruit growers and federal government representatives acknowledged the shortage of federal agricultural auditors to inspect and clear the fruit shipments. Consequently, they fear a potential export drop.
According to Antônio Romão Almeida, a federal tax auditor, there are currently 1,200 vacant positions in that field, meaning they could immediately be filled with the recruitment of new staff.
Source: datamarnews.com