Ministry of Agriculture brings together agricultural cooperatives in Rio Grande do Sul to discuss support measures

With a focus on structuring precise measures to support the agribusiness sector in Rio Grande do Sul, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, held a videoconference today with representatives of the agro cooperatives in Rio Grande do Sul. The meeting also included representatives from all departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa). 

Minister Fávaro reinforced that the meeting seeks to gather information and proposals together, to construct precise measures. “By determination of President Lula, Esplanada dos Ministérios is fully focused on finding solutions for Rio Grande do Sul. Let's work together”, highlighted Fávaro. “We are here for you to provide a cooperative report and make suggestions to us. We will take it to the economic team to analyze and adjust. We are together in this difficult time.” 

During the conversation, the president of the Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB), Márcio Lopes de Freitas, highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperativism in the region and commented that a large part of Brazilian agricultural cooperativism has roots in Rio Grande do Sul. He also highlighted the importance space for dialogue. “We have to deal with solutions and build together. So, we are here to discuss the possibilities. We want to create a ramp of solutions”, said the president of OCB. 

The president of the Ocergs System, Darci Hartmann, suggested a proposal to strengthen and provide opportunities for producers and cooperatives. “We need a change in structure so that we can, once again, recapitalize the producer and give them the opportunity to produce again. We brought proposals to restructure the debts and to recapitalize the cooperatives. These are suggestions for the sustainable growth of cooperatives in Rio Grande do Sul”. 

Minister Fávaro pointed out that Mapa sent a proposal to the National Monetary Council (CMN) to suspend debt payments for rural producers in Rio Grande do Sul for 90 days, with the possibility of extension.  

Furthermore, it was announced by the minister that the Federal Government is preparing a Provisional Measure (MP) that aims to release the import of rice by the National Supply Company (Conab). The objective is to avoid financial speculation and stabilize the price of the product in markets across the country. Fávaro reinforced that the measure will not compete with Brazilian farmers, as the product purchased in foreign trade must only be passed on to small markets. 

The proposal to create a guarantee fund was also defended by the Minister of Mapa, making it possible for impacted producers to take credit. “The solution is the guarantee fund, as was used in Pronamp (National Support Program for Micro and Small Businesses) during the pandemic. Where public authorities guarantee operations, credit re-exists for producers”. 

Dialogue

Last Tuesday (8), minister Carlos Fávaro, together with the entire department secretariat, held the first expanded meeting with the Agriculture Federation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul) and more than 100 rural unions in the state for via videoconferencing. Meeting seeks dialogue for the adoption of measures to rebuild agriculture in Rio Grande do Sul.