Conab celebrates 35 years with reinforcement of its strategic role

The National Supply Company (Conab) was honored this Wednesday (14/5) at the National Congress for its 35 years of operation. The formal session brought together parliamentarians, federal authorities, state-owned company directors, social movements and international organizations. The focus of the speeches was Conab's role in strengthening family farming and ensuring food sovereignty.

The president of the state-owned company, Edegar Pretto, highlighted the company's restructuring and its return to a leading role in public supply policies. According to him, Conab has gone from being abandoned to becoming a decisive instrument in supporting national production and price regulation. Among the actions mentioned are the reinforcement of public stocks and the expansion of storage capacity.

The acting Minister of Agrarian Development, Fernanda Machiavelli, stated that Conab is experiencing a new era. Now linked to the MDA, the state-owned company operates with a budget of R$2 billion. She also announced the preparation of a bill to modernize the legislation on public stocks.

Lilian Rahal, National Secretary of Food Security, highlighted the role of the state-owned company in the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) and in serving vulnerable populations. She advocated expanding public purchases from family farmers and including producers registered in the Single Registry.

Senators and deputies present highlighted the importance of Conab in the stability of the agricultural market, in the formation of strategic stocks and in the implementation of rural policies. They reinforced the need to guarantee resources and structure for the continuity of these actions.

Social movements also participated in the ceremony. Representatives highlighted the origins of the Company as an achievement in the struggle for food sovereignty and policies for the countryside. The Conab Employees Association advocated for the appreciation of employees and recognition of the state-owned company's performance in emergencies and in providing food to the population.