Registration for fruit growing course is now open in MS

With economic development driven mainly by the agricultural sector, Mato Grosso do Sul is expected to be one of the most prominent states in the country in 2025. The projection for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Mato Grosso do Sul, according to Semadesc, for this year indicates an increase of 6,8%, exceeding R$ 227 billion, driven by the so-called agribusiness and agroindustrialization revolution. In addition to the large enterprises in the forestry and pulp sector, citrus farming stands out as an exponent of growth and investment in the region. Senar/MS offers free training opportunities in the most promising production chains in the state.

According to the Technical Department of the Famasul System, the citrus sector has significant potential for expansion in Mato Grosso do Sul, with the possibility of reaching approximately 30 thousand hectares of orange plantations in the coming years. The region has favorable climatic and relief conditions, availability of land for cultivation, adequate phytosanitary conditions and strict disease control legislation, mainly against the threat of “greening”, which has affected orchards all over the world, including the largest national producer, the State of São Paulo.

The favorable environment has led Mato Grosso do Sul to be considered the country's new "citrus belt," attracting major investments. For example, the Cutrale Group, a leader in Brazilian citrus exports, announced an investment of R$500 million to plant 5 hectares at the Aracoara Farm, located on the BR-060 highway between Sidrolândia and Campo Grande. The Junqueira Rodas Group has started a project in Paranaíba, in the Bolsão region, with the goal of cultivating 1,5 hectares. In addition, Citrosuco, one of the largest orange juice producers in the world, is evaluating the installation of a project in the state, considering cities such as Campo Grande, Três Lagoas and Paranaíba.

Incentive

In order to further boost the expansion of citrus farming, since December, the State Government has reduced the tax burden on interstate transactions involving oranges destined for industrialization. Until 2032, an 80% reduction will be in effect on the value of the ICMS charged on the outbound transaction with the product, as the amount of tax charged on previous transactions or payments.

The measure to encourage citrus farming places the state in a prominent position at the national level. Brazil is already the largest producer of orange juice in the world, responsible for 80% of all glasses consumed globally. The chain is a strategic alternative for the state's agricultural diversification, promoting development with sustainable practices and improving soil quality.

Senar provides trainingThe expansion of the citrus market requires qualified labor to meet the demand created by new ventures. People seeking formal training to work on citrus plantations or who want a career change to start a career in agriculture have access to the Technical Course in Fruit Growing.

Senar/MS is accepting applications for free, blended learning: 70% of the course load will be delivered remotely and 30% in person at the Campo Grande campus. The curriculum offers the development of professional skills related to the production, management and control of the fruit production process. Applications are open until January 17, 2025, and all other information about the selection process notices can be obtained on the official website (etec.senar.org.br).

The director of the Center of Excellence in Beef Cattle Farming at Senar/MS, Gustavo Cavalca, highlights the opportunity. “The growth of citrus farming in Mato Grosso do Sul is evident, with the production of oranges, and lemons are also expanding. Companies from the global market are announcing investments and ventures in our state. The expansion of agroindustry will require a lot of labor. Our technical course is perfect for those who want to seize the moment, enter the agricultural sector, and become a new and different technician. Just study with us.”

In 2024, Senar/MS trained 247 new technicians in five areas of agriculture

In addition to the Fruit Farming course, there are six other courses available, with 480 vacancies in total for 13 municipalities. Opportunities include courses in Agriculture, Forestry, Ruminant Animal Production Systems, Agribusiness, Animal Science, Agriculture and Fruit Farming. Lasting two years, the courses aim to prepare professionals for market demands and innovations in the agricultural sector.