Abrapa celebrates inauguration of new management and milestones in cotton farming

In a year of important historical milestones for cotton farming in Brazil, the Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers (Abrapa) celebrated the inauguration of its new board of directors for the 2025-2026 biennium, in a ceremony that brought together approximately 500 people, including industry leaders, representatives of partner entities and public authorities, in Brasília (DF).

Gustavo Viganó Piccoli, a cotton producer in the state of Mato Grosso and former president of the Mato Grosso Cotton Producers Association (Ampa), assumed the presidency of the entity, and recalled the importance of the moment for the sector, when Abrapa completes 25 years, and the country becomes the world's largest exporter of the commodity.

Among the political authorities were the special advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), Carlos Ernesto Augustin, known as Teti, who represented Minister Carlos Fávaro on the occasion, the senator and former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Tereza Cristina, the president of the Parliamentary Front for Agriculture (FPA), federal deputy Pedro Lupion, as well as several parliamentarians and politicians in general.

In his inauguration speech, Piccoli recalled that Brazil has become a key player in the global cotton market, and that today it “sits at the decision-making table”, in a historic shift from being an importer of the fiber to being the largest exporter.

“Although this achievement is remarkable, it is not the end point, but rather a new starting point. It brings challenges that are proportional to our achievements, and we know that, to face them, it will be essential to strengthen our commitment to the pillars that have kept us strong: sustainability, traceability, quality and promotion of fiber,” stated Piccoli, emphasizing the importance of Abrapa in making possible the repositioning of the activity over the last twenty-five years.

In his speech, Piccoli also highlighted the organization's strategic programs, such as "Sou de Algodão", which promotes the fiber in the domestic market, and "Cotton Brazil", which works to consolidate and open new markets abroad. He acknowledged the essential support of partners such as ANEA and ApexBrasil. "On behalf of all cotton growers in Brazil, I renew our commitment and express our appreciation for these entities," he added.

Renewing energy

Alexandre Schenkel, president who ends his term on December 31, also highlighted the milestones achieved by the entity and the importance of the collective work that took Abrapa to a new level, emphasizing the continuity of generations in cotton production as a very positive indicator.

“We have a refreshing energy here, made up of young producers who come with new ideas and a commitment to the evolution of our sector. This strength, combined with the experience of those who have been on the road for longer, guarantees that the next 30 years of Brazilian cotton farming will be in good hands,” highlighted Schenkel.

“I want to express my gratitude to the former presidents of Abrapa, who gave their all to the association and helped build what we are today: a global reference,” he said.

 “Together with ANEA and ApexBrasil, we traveled the world carrying the message of 'Think Cotton, Think Brazil'. This phrase represents our collective effort to position our country as a global leader in cotton production. May this message continue to resonate, whether in factories here in Brazil or in distant markets in Asia.”

Mini biography - Gustavo Piccoli

Gustavo Viganó Piccoli, born in Anchieta, Santa Catarina, on April 11, 1965, moved to Mato Grosso when he was still young.

The son of farmers, he was a pioneer in cotton cultivation in the municipality of Sorriso, where he has lived for over 40 years. With a 25-year career dedicated to planting cotton, soybeans and corn, Piccoli has solid experience in agribusiness and class leadership, having presided over the Mato Grosso Cotton Producers Association (AMPA) and participated in the boards of agricultural cooperatives, such as the Cooperativa Agropecuária Mista de Sorriso (COOAMI) and the Cooperativa Agroindustrial do Centro Oeste (COABRA).

After two terms as vice-president, he assumes the presidency of the Brazilian Association of Cotton Producers (Abrapa), with the commitment to maintain the high standards of credibility and sustainability that have consolidated the entity as a reference in Brazilian agribusiness.

Board of Directors 2025-2026 Biennium

• Gustavo Viganó Piccoli – President

• Celestino Zanella – 1st Vice-President

• Paulo Sérgio Aguiar – 2nd Vice President

• Alexandre De Marco – 3rd Vice President

• Carlos Alberto Moresco – 1st Secretary

• Luiz Carlos Bergamaschi – 2nd Secretary

• Aurelio Pavinato – 1st Treasurer

• André Guilherme Sucolotti – 2nd Treasurer

Audit Committee

Headlines

• Walter Yukio Horita – 1st Councilor

• Thomas Derks – 2nd Councilor

• Guilherme Scheffer – 3rd Councilor

alternates

• Darci Agostinho Boff – 1st Counselor

• Amilton Bortolozzo – 2nd Councilor

• Patricia Kyoko Portolose Morinaga – 3rd Councilor

consulting board

• John Carlos Jacobsen Rodrigues

• Arlindo Moura

• Milton Garbugio

• Julio Cezar Busato

• Alexandre Pedro Schenkel