A major food producer, Santa Catarina increased revenue in the agricultural sector in 2019. The Gross Value of Agricultural Production (VBP) reached R$33,6 billion, an increase of 8,8% compared to the previous year. The increase was mainly driven by the performance of livestock production. The data is part of the Annual Synthesis of Agriculture and the Performance Indicators of Agriculture and Agribusiness of Santa Catarina, documents prepared by the Center for Socioeconomics and Agricultural Planning (Epagri/Cepa).
"With just over 1% of the Brazilian territory, Santa Catarina is a reference in several agricultural activities, from the production of animal protein, cultivation of oysters and mussels and also vegetable and forestry production. We have had important growth in several sectors, mainly in meat production, due to exports of pork and poultry. And this is all the result of the work of rural producers and public and private entities. It is also important to value the sanitary condition of our herds and crops", highlights the deputy secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Ricardo Miotto.
Pig farming was the highlight of agriculture in Santa Catarina last year and surpassed the value of chicken production for the first time in 20 years. Pig production became responsible for 19,2% of Santa Catarina's VBP, reaching a value of R$6,47 billion. Revenues generated by the production chain, in the animal breeding phase, were 35% higher than in 2018.
The good moment of pig farming in Santa Catarina is the result of a combination of factors: increase in production and also in prices paid to producers. Santa Catarina is the largest producer and exporter of pork in Brazil and is experiencing an accelerated pace of growth in international sales.
“Now is the time to celebrate and praise these numbers, which are significant for the state’s economy in generating jobs, income and quality of life, but which also leave a commitment to continue growing and ensuring the health condition of Santa Catarina”, adds Miotto .
Epagri/Cepa analysts are now working on the prospects for the 2020 VBP. According to the coordinator of the Agricultural Synthesis, Tabajara Marcondes, this year's revenue will be greatly influenced by the performance of the Brazilian economy and the reaction of the international market.
"Products that depend exclusively on the domestic market have a more challenging scenario than those that have an escape valve on the international market. For example, corn, soybeans and pork, which are expected to see growth in production and revenue. The behavior of VBP 2020 will depend on a combination of factors, including employment, the Brazilian economy and international demand", he explains.
Another highlight of Santa Catarina's agribusiness, crop production closed 2019 with a VP of R$ 11,55 billion and accounts for 34,5% of the state's total revenue
Soy is the flagship of the sector, with a VP of R$2,76 billion. Soon after, tobacco production appears, with R$2 billion. In fruit growing, apples have the highest revenue with R$590 million and an increase of 3,7% compared to 2018.
Santa Catarina holds the title of largest national producer of pigs, apples, onions, fish, oysters and mussels; second largest producer of tobacco, hearts of palm, poultry, pears, peaches, garlic and rice, and fourth largest producer of grapes, barley and milk.
The state is free from Cydia pomonella, considered the worst insect pest of fruit growing, in addition to being the only state in the country recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as an area free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination - a status that opens the door to most demanding markets in the world.
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