On the evening of April 21st, a gathering occurred at Granja do Crooked, Brasília, involving the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (Abrafrutas) and key figures from Brazil's productive sector, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This meeting underscored the critical role of fruit cultivation in Brazil's economy, addressing its contributions to employment, income, and health.
Minister of Agriculture Carlos Fávaro highlighted fruit cultivation's impact on the Brazilian economy, emphasizing its importance as a job and income generator across various regions. Abrafrutas president Guilherme Coelho detailed the sector's macro challenges, including the need for expanded export markets, enhanced logistics, and resources to fight fruit flies. Coelho praised the government's support, noting significant achievements like surpassing US$1.2 billion in exports and urged for policies to facilitate seasonal work for Bolsa Família recipients within agribusiness.
President Lula acknowledged fruit cultivation's strategic value for national development, recalling his administration's supportive measures and expressing interest from foreign investors. The meeting facilitated a direct dialogue with producers, discussing production, exports, and the sector's workforce.
Source: abrafrutas.org