Book records 50 years of coffee growing in the Cerrado Mineiro region

The Cerrado Mineiro, one of the most renowned coffee growing regions in Brazil, celebrates more than half a century of achievements and development with the launch of the book "50 Years of Coffee Culture in the Cerrado Mineiro Region". Developed over two years by the Federation of Coffee Growers of the Cerrado, the work pays homage to the dedication of local producers and the evolution of coffee growing in the region.

Since its foundation, the Cerrado Mineiro Region (RCM) has stood out for producing high-quality coffee. With 4.500 producers in 55 municipalities, occupying 250 thousand hectares, RCM is responsible for 25,4% of coffee production in Minas Gerais and 12,7% of national production. The book portrays this successful trajectory, showing how the Region became the first Denomination of Origin (DO) for coffee in Brazil.

One of the pillars of Cerrado Mineiro's success is its governance model, structured in cooperatives and associations. This model guaranteed the standardization and quality of the coffee produced and inspired other producing regions in Brazil. Written in Portuguese and translated into English, the 179-page book highlights how this collaborative structure boosted productivity and sustainability. The book also explores the characteristics that make Cerrado Mineiro coffee unique, such as its privileged geographic location, well-defined climatic seasons, altitudes between 800 and 1.300 meters and fertile soils. These conditions result in a drink with an intense aroma, delicate citrus acidity and sweet flavor, with notes of caramel and nuts and a striking finish.

Richly illustrated, the work includes testimonies from producers and presidents of the Cerrado Coffee Growers Federation, such as the first president, Aguinaldo José de Lima. For him, the book "50 Years of Coffee Culture in the Cerrado Mineiro Region" is a record of the legacy of the pioneers, the trailblazers, those who, with hard work and determination, built the best coffee industry in the country, perhaps in the world.

“It is the record of history preserved for future generations. It is a great pride to have participated in the beginning and construction of Café do Cerrado Mineiro. In these 50 years, there is no fact more important than the construction and consolidation of this region as the best coffee producing region, becoming a reference. If I had to highlight a specific event, I would say that it was the concomitant events of the creation of the brand, the demarcation of the producing region (something unprecedented until then) and the creation of Caccer, which today is the Federation. These milestones provided what exists today”, he highlights.

international brand

The Cerrado Mineiro Region is recognized for its commitment to good agricultural practices, being the coffee region with the largest certified area in Brazil, including the first regenerative agriculture farm in the world. This focus on sustainability is widely highlighted in the book, showing how the region combines tradition and innovation to face future challenges.

According to Gláucio de Castro, president of the Federation of Cerrado Coffee Growers, the book also highlights the international expansion of the Cerrado Mineiro brand. “Currently, our coffees are present in more than 30 countries, consolidating RCM as an important player in the global market. The region’s reputation for high quality and innovativeness has made it a true ‘one stop shop’ for buyers from all over the world,” he says. 

For Sebrae, the history of 50 years of Coffee Farming in the Cerrado Mineiro Region is an incredible journey of protagonism, entrepreneurship and pioneering. “We are very proud to have contributed and effectively participated in the construction of this history. Actions such as Educampo, which offers technical and management consultancy to coffee growers; the Territory Brand Strategy project (place branding); the achievement of the Denomination of Origin; and support for Sustainable Coffee Farming through consultancy for producer certification, are some of the various actions carried out in the region that have positively impacted Brazilian agribusiness and global coffee farming”, highlights Marcos Alves, manager of Sebrae Minas in the Northwest and Alto Paranaíba Region . 

Launch

The book was launched during the Cerrado Mineiro Region Convention, on July 6, in Patrocínio, Minas Gerais. The event was attended by producers, industry leaders and coffee enthusiasts, celebrating this important work, which will have an initial print run of a thousand copies.

According to Juliano Tarabal, executive director of the Federation, itinerant launches are scheduled in different locations to expand the reach of the work. “These events will allow for greater engagement with the coffee community and dissemination of RCM’s lessons and achievements. 50 Years of Coffee Farming in the Cerrado Mineiro Region is more than a historical record; is a celebration of innovation, sustainability and quality. The book is a legacy for future generations of coffee growers and reaffirms the position of Cerrado Mineiro in the global coffee scenario”, he concludes.