In 2023, Brazil's citrus farming sector emerged as a pivotal force in agribusiness employment, with an 8% increase in job creation, as per the General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons (Caged), analyzed by the National Association of Citrus Juice Exporters (CitrusBR). The industry accounted for 54,232 new jobs, up from 50,178 the previous year, yielding a net gain of 1,988 positions.
This achievement is underscored by the sector's contribution to 35% of the 154,462 new roles provided by agricultural support services, which include a range of activities from land preparation to harvesting and pest control. The citrus belt, spanning São Paulo and Minas Gerais, was instrumental in this growth, contributing 87% of the total employment, with São Paulo adding 41,357 jobs (a 6.35% increase) and Minas Gerais 5,685 (a 41% increase). Paraná also saw a notable rise, with 1,723 new positions, marking a 13% growth.
Key political figures from these states, including Federal deputies Arnaldo Jardim, Zé Silva, and Pedro Lupion, have recognized the sector's economic impact and the ongoing battle against challenges like greening. With citrus farming generating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and involving extensive manual labor for an eight to nine-month harvest period, it remains a cornerstone of Brazil's economy and employment landscape.
Source: abrafrutas.org
