Forum highlights sustainable technologies in fruit production

This month, Andradina (SP) will host the Fruit Farming Forum, which aims to encourage the fruit farming production chain in the region, promoting sustainable development and innovation in the sector. The event, which will take place on December 5, 2024, from 8 am to 16 pm, at Apta Regional de Andradina, an institution linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, will bring together researchers, producers and technicians for a day of lectures and exchange of experiences.

According to the coordinator of the meeting, researcher Humberto Sampaio de Araújo, from Apta Regional de Andradina, this is the third event held annually and on an itinerant basis in the municipalities of the Andradina region. The Forum aims to provide professional training, democratizing access to technology for both rural producers and technicians. The event also encourages the greater use of technologies to intensify fruit production and seeks to increase ties with the community.

The production of vegetables and fruits in rural settlements in Andradina is driven by social programs such as the Family Farming Food Acquisition Program (PAA), the National School Feeding Program (Pnae) and the São Paulo Family Farming Program of Social Interest (PPais). These initiatives aim to encourage family farming through adequate remuneration and the distribution of agricultural products to people in situations of food insecurity.

Supported by technical assistance agencies, these programs have fostered a new marketing model that involves direct purchases from family farmers by the government. This enables the diversification of production and ensures the sustainability of family farming. Encouraged by these public policies, fruit cultivation has intensified in the far western region of the state of São Paulo, especially in rural settlements. Therefore, training technicians and encouraging discussions that support the development of actions to stimulate production by family farmers are crucial.

The event is held by Apoio Rural, Fundação Itesp and Apta Regional de Andradina, with support from Cati, Secretariat of Agriculture of Andradina, Ponto Agrícola, Sakata and NaanDan.

Participation in the Fruit Growing Forum represents a unique opportunity to stay up to date on the latest trends and innovations in the sector, strengthen cooperation networks and contribute to the sustainable development of family farming in the region.