MS invests R$7,6 million in soybean and corn certification

The Government of Mato Grosso do Sul, through Semadesc (Secretariat of Environment, Development, Science, Technology, and Innovation), signed a development agreement with Aprosoja/MS (State Soybean Producers Association) to promote the certification of rural properties in the soybean and corn production chains, focusing on sustainable practices, traceability, and carbon monitoring. The investment is R$7,6 million, with resources from Fundems (Fund for the Development of Corn and Soybean Crops).

The action, made possible through the Semadesc/Fundems public call notice No. 018/2024, is valid until September 2027 and includes the mobilization of rural producers to adhere to the RTRS (Round Table on Responsible Soy) certification, in addition to carrying out a detailed diagnosis of eligible properties, mapping the main production destinations and identifying the predominant types of certification.

The project includes external audits to verify compliance with certification criteria, monitoring carbon stocks on certified properties, and technical training for producers and workers in the sector. Also planned are initiatives to disseminate knowledge about sustainability in agribusiness, including events, lectures, and educational materials.

"The State Government's directive is to develop a sustainable agriculture, and to this end, we are structuring specific public policies. We have already adopted established practices, such as low-carbon agriculture and integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems. Now, we are moving forward with the identification and certification of rural properties, considering environmental, productive, and carbon stock criteria, within the goal of making Mato Grosso do Sul a carbon-neutral territory by 2030," stated Secretary Jaime Verruck of Semadesc, who signed the development agreement together with the president of Aprosoja/MS, Jorge Michelc.

According to the head of Semadesc, "with traceability from the source to the consumer's table, especially for demanding markets like Europe and Asia, we demonstrate that farmers in Mato Grosso do Sul adopt modern, sustainable technologies aligned with international standards. This will be the first soybean traceability project implemented in the state."

"This initiative, focused on the soybean and corn production chain, reinforces our commitment to sustainability and is being made possible with resources from Fundems in partnership with Aprosoja. Initially, the project will be implemented in the regions of Costa Rica and Chapadão do Sul," said Rogério Beretta, Executive Secretary of Sustainable Economic Development at Semadesc.

About the development term

The partnership also establishes the obligation to disclose the results obtained semiannually, as well as the publication of statistical reports on the progress of soybean and corn planting and harvesting in the producing municipalities, with data made available online and through other media. Implementation will be monitored by a technical committee and an appointed manager, with periodic performance evaluations, accountability, and transparency of actions.

The project is scheduled for completion by September 1, 2027, and will be developed according to the disbursement schedule and milestones defined in the approved Work Plan. The established quantitative goals include conducting technical assessments on rural properties, training producers and workers, conducting external compliance audits, and issuing RTRS certifications.

The control and evaluation mechanisms include the work of a manager designated by Semadesc and a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, which will monitor compliance with targets, deadlines, and the use of public funds. Technical visits, analysis of physical and financial implementation reports, and annual and final financial reporting requirements from the partner organization are also planned.