Santa Catarina's agriculture sector closes 2024 with revenue of R$63,7 billion

In 2024, agribusiness accounted for 65% of Santa Catarina's exports, totaling US$7,57 billion. China remained the main destination for Santa Catarina's agricultural exports. The state's Agricultural Production Value (VPA) reached R$63,7 billion, demonstrating the sector's resilience, even with a slight decline of 0,5%. This drop is due to crop failure in some products, such as apples and soybeans, or to falling prices, as in the case of corn and soybeans.

The data is included in the Annual Summary of Agriculture in Santa Catarina, prepared by Epagri/Cepa, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the sector's performance and guides public policies, investments and strategies for the field. The presentation of this data is available in the video below. The full publication can be accessed on the website of the Santa Catarina Agricultural Observatory.

According to Luis Augusto Araujo, Socioeconomic and Rural Development Analyst at Epagri/Cepa and Coordinator of the 45th Annual Agriculture Summary, the most recent figures for agricultural production reveal a scenario of great resilience and strength in the sector. “Agriculture in Santa Catarina continues to stand out as a fundamental pillar for the state’s economy. With almost R$64 billion in production value and stable exports, Santa Catarina’s agriculture shows strength and points the way to an even more prosperous future,” Araujo highlights.

Santa Catarina is the national leader in pork production, with US$1,7 billion exported, the highest value ever recorded. It ranks 2nd in chicken production, which also broke a historic record with US$2,3 billion in exports. Livestock continues to be the flagship of the state's agricultural sector, accounting for 55,7% of the VPA. Beef cattle farming saw significant growth of 8,7% in slaughter, while milk production totaled 3,3 billion liters, an increase of 2,9% compared to 2023 and 41% in ten years.

Grains, honey and forests 

Plant production also played a relevant role in 2024, accounting for more than 24% of the state's VPA. Soybeans led the segment, generating R$5,46 billion, while Santa Catarina's rice represented 11% of national production. The diversity also includes corn, beans and wheat.

Another highlight was honey, with a 51% growth in exports, placing Santa Catarina as the third largest exporter in Brazil. The forestry sector saw a 10,3% growth in exports, totaling US$1,74 billion — 16,5% of the state's foreign sales.

Despite the good numbers, the year was also marked by challenges. Banana farming faced climate problems, apple production, despite having good prices, faced crop failure, while tobacco suffered from excessive rain, which compromised production.

Rural credit moves R$ 7 billion

Rural credit continues to play a strategic role in the development of agribusiness in Santa Catarina. In 2024, the volume of resources invested in the sector reached R$7,08 billion, consolidating the importance of financing for rural development. One of the new developments of the year was the leading role of credit cooperatives, which surpassed public banks in granting financing.

The resources have been essential for producers to invest in technology, modernize their properties and increase production capacity. The growth of operations through the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (Pronaf) and the National Program for Supporting Medium-Sized Rural Producers (Pronamp) reinforces the commitment to valuing segments considered pillars of the rural economy of Santa Catarina.

According to data from Epagri/Cepa, the distribution of financing reveals important trends in the sector. Livestock farming leads in number of contracts, but agriculture accounts for the majority of the amounts invested. This scenario shows that, when well directed, rural credit has the potential to transform realities, promoting income generation, job creation and sustainable development in rural communities.

Edilene Steinwandter, manager of Epagri/Cepa, explains that the publication of the Agricultural Summary has been a reference for managers, cooperatives, financial institutions, technicians, researchers and rural producers, by offering a comprehensive and updated overview of the performance of the agricultural sector in the state. “More than just numbers, the Summary reveals the strength of the work of thousands of producers, who build, every day, an innovative, sustainable and competitive agriculture. With quality information, Santa Catarina can plan, evolve and maintain its leading role in Brazilian and global agribusiness”, says Edilene.