Apple producers defend a more efficient incentive policy for the activity

Apple cultivation is of great importance for several municipalities in the South region, generating more than 190 thousand direct and indirect jobs, effectively contributing to boosting the economy especially in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, the main producing states.

The chain's revenue is around R$6 billion annually. However, despite having instruments to support production, the orchard farmer needs more incentives to continue in the activity, mainly: the flexibility of guarantees and the reduction of interest on financing, in addition to a further increase in the volume of resources for the Rural Insurance Premium Subsidy (PSR).

These and other points will be addressed by the executive director of the Brazilian Association of Apple Producers (ABPM), Moisés Lopes de Albuquerque, on Apple Market Day, next Friday (29/4), in Fraiburgo (SC). The ABPM leader is one of the participants in the panel on Climate Risk, in which he will present the point of view of the productive sector.

Promoted by the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA), Market Day is in its second year of operation and aims to provide technical and economic information to rural producers to guide them in their day-to-day activities. The event is specific to each region and culture and raises issues such as production costs, prices, climate and market. This week's meeting is focused on apple production and is being held in partnership with the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Santa Catarina (FAESC) and the Brazilian Association of Apple Producers (ABPM).

For Moisés, climate risk mitigation programs have helped producers to guarantee their production. The main ones are the Agricultural Activity Guarantee Program (Proagro), financing for covering orchards against hail and the Rural Insurance Premium Subsidy Program (PSR). Regarding this, the executive highlights his positive action in the evolution of culture over the last 10 years. However, he points out that the reduction in the volume of resources and changes in hiring rules last year have worried orchard farmers. An example is the reduction in the percentage for obtaining the prize. Previously, the government paid 60% of the subsidy, but this percentage fell to 45%, increasing the cost for producers. For Lopes de Albuquerque, other obstacles are the excess of guarantees required and bureaucracy for financing.

The South region is the main apple producer in the country. Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul account for more than 90% of production. São Joaquim (SC) is the main supplier municipality, followed by Vacaria (RS) and Fraiburgo (SC).

Service

Event: Apple Market Day
Order date: April 29
Working Hours: 9h at 16h
Location: Avenida Lebon Régis, s/n – São José, Fraiburgo, SC.
Registrations: Podem be made via email: cna.campofuturo@cna.org.br or by telephone (49) 3246 2686