Family farming receives R$60 million for the production of bioinputs

The healthy food production sector will receive R$60 million in non-reimbursable resources for family farming cooperatives through BNDES Bioinsumos. According to the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), the resources are aimed at the production and "multiplication of accessible and replicable bioinputs."

Made from microorganisms, plant residues, and organic matter, bioinputs are important for soil fertilization and promoting sustainable agriculture. They also act as pest predators and promote the growth, development, and health of agricultural, animal, aquaculture, and forestry systems. The initiative is technically supported by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

The idea is to encourage the production and multiplication of bioinputs in industrial or semi-industrial units, enabling the "technological transition toward the use of bioproducts integrated into agroecosystems for the production of healthy foods." To this end, BNDES will issue a public call, prioritizing the North and Northeast regions.

"BNDES Bioinsumos fulfills two historic commitments of the Lula administration: in addition to contributing to the increase in the production of healthy foods, ensuring food and nutritional security and sovereignty, this initiative strengthens the income generation of family farming cooperatives by expanding access to bioinputs, with lower costs and greater productivity," said BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante.