ADM, Grão Direto and Mosaic present Successors in Action Program

The companies ADM, Grão Direto and Mosaic held an event aimed at children of rural producers. The objective was to discuss ADM's operations, the grain and input market and to present the digital platform Clicou Fechou, used in grain trading. During the event, a visit was made to the logistics department of ADM's Santos terminal. The event is part of the Sucessores em Ação Program, created to ensure an open dialogue between generations and prepare future successors in the field. Family succession is one of the main challenges for agribusiness in Brazil.

Family succession is an extremely important topic in Brazilian agribusiness, especially in a country where 77% of agricultural establishments are family-owned, according to Sebrae. In the South and North regions, almost 40% of agricultural production comes from family businesses. However, many of these businesses face difficulties in continuity. According to IBGE, 70% of family agricultural businesses do not survive the second generation, and only 5% make it to the third generation. These figures indicate the need for careful planning to ensure the sustainability of family businesses.

In light of this context, ADM, Grão Direto and Mosaic launched the Sucessores em Ação program, whose main focus is to promote ongoing dialogue between generations of producers. The goal is to prepare farmers’ children to take on the responsibilities and challenges of the sector, ensuring the continuity of family operations. Raphael Costa, ADM’s director of origination and inputs, highlighted the importance of the program. “ADM firmly believes that family succession is the path to long-term success, ensuring business continuity and the preservation of family values ​​and legacy,” said Costa.

The Successors in Action program also connects with the modernization of the agricultural sector. Grão Direto, a digital grain trading platform, sees family succession as an opportunity to incorporate new ideas and technologies. Maria Cecília Borges, the company's sales engagement leader, emphasized that "succession is a valuable opportunity to connect generations and drive the use of digital tools. Many producers already use technology, especially in grain trading, and this program ensures that successors continue this innovation."

Gabriel Gimeno, Mosaic’s Chief Commercial Officer, reinforced the importance of succession planning. He commented that investing in the preparation of successors is crucial for a smooth and effective transition in agricultural operations. Gimeno also highlighted the role of the program in ensuring that new leaders are ready to assume their responsibilities competently.

Family succession in agribusiness also requires strategic partnerships. Raphael Costa emphasized that ADM is committed to supporting producers at all stages of succession, offering ongoing support and innovative solutions for the sustainable growth of agricultural operations. He highlighted that the partnership with Grão Direto and Mosaic strengthens this journey.

Challenges and expectations for the future

Family succession in Brazilian agribusiness faces significant challenges. According to data from Embrapa, around 40% of rural producers are expected to leave their activities by 2030. This reinforces the importance of initiatives such as the Successors in Action Program. For Vinicius Maeda Macial, an agronomy student and successor of farms in the south of Minas Gerais, bringing the children of producers closer to the succession process is essential. “This opportunity that ADM, Grão Direto and Mosaic are giving us is very important for our education,” said Maeda.

Bruno Ashidani Buabud, an agronomist and rural producer, also highlights the importance of the program. Buabud is part of the third generation of a family of producers in the south of Minas Gerais. He highlighted how technology has been essential for the development of family properties and believes that the Sucessores em Ação program contributes to the creation of lasting partnerships between producers and companies, facilitating the continuity of family businesses.