AGCO celebrates 30 years of evolution with Brazilian agribusiness

The recent history of Brazilian agribusiness is an example of how investment in science, technology and innovation is fundamental to increasing efficiency in the production sector. Brazil – which has always enjoyed natural wealth, fertile land and a climate conducive to agriculture – has seen significant gains in production in recent years, making agribusiness a protagonist in the country's development.

In 2019, the sector represented 21,4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a study carried out by the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) in partnership with the School of Agricultural Studies at the University of São Paulo (Esalq/USP) . In 2020, the numbers are also very promising. The sector was the only one to register an increase from January to April, reaching the mark of 3,78%, equivalent to R$63 billion of Brazilian GDP, according to calculations by the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea), at Esalq/USP and the CNA.

If today Brazil is responsible for feeding millions of people around the world, it was thanks to an effort that combined rural modernization and an economic environment favorable to new investments and cutting-edge agricultural research. In the area of ​​public policies, the country went – ​​mainly from the 1990s onwards – through a process of economic opening, inflation control and changes in access to credit.

This entire trajectory has made agriculture increasingly mechanized. It was in this scenario that AGCO, one of the main agricultural machinery and solutions companies in the world, has been operating in Brazil since 1990. For 30 years, the group has integrated more than 40 companies and brands, including Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra – together, they have produced more than 1 million tractors and more than 40 thousand harvesters.

During these three decades of operation, AGCO has contributed with innovation, responsibility and commitment to the farmer to this process that has made Brazil an agricultural powerhouse. The company's importance extends throughout South America, where brands and their products play an essential role in the development of agriculture in the region. Our products are exported to more than 80 countries, mainly South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay.

The challenges facing Brazilian agribusiness today are the greatest since AGCO arrived in Brazil. Food security is a priority issue in a world impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the response that has been given is the best possible, with the fulfillment of external commitments and the guarantee of confidence in the country's capacity to produce food. .

Likewise, investment in research, technology and innovation will remain relevant to meet new demands and to strengthen Brazil's capacity to continue responsible production, with increased productivity in relation to the planted area. Therefore, the public and private sectors must be, more than ever, attentive and prepared to respond to these challenges.