Industry bets on the quality of Rio Grande do Sul wheat for the 2025 harvest

The Abitrigo Tour – Rio Grande do Sul, held on October 7th and 8th, brought together representatives from mills across the country to closely monitor the 2025 wheat harvest in the state, the largest national producer. Promoted by the Brazilian Wheat Industry Association (Abitrigo), the meeting brought industry and the field closer together, fostering dialogue on the quality, productivity, and sustainability of Rio Grande do Sul's wheat production.

Abitrigo's superintendent, Eduardo Assêncio, emphasized the group's representativeness and the state's strategic importance. "We've assembled a highly respected group of wheat-consuming mills, responsible for over 50% of the country's milling. Rio Grande do Sul wheat is highly relevant in the market, and we need to understand in detail what will be available in the state's 2025 harvest. Harvest conditions are suitable, and there is a strong awareness among farmers regarding quality, which allows us to project good results," he stated.

Alencar Paulo Rugeri, manager of the annual crops area at Emater/RS, highlighted the positive impact of environmental conditions and sector integration. "Despite the challenges faced by producers, such as access to credit, the biggest highlight of this cycle has been the environmental factor, which has sustained crop development. We are at a crucial point in the harvest, but conditions are good, and we should have more accurate figures soon. A good harvest strengthens the entire chain, ensuring a good product for the mills and benefiting the consumer," he noted.

For Rugeri, welcoming mills from different regions reinforces the importance of this collaboration. "It was very important to be able to engage with those working at the other end of the production chain. The more we understand the objectives of each link, the more consistent the success of Brazilian wheat will be," he stated.

According to Andreas Elter, director of Moinho Taquariense Motasa, it's crucial for everyone, from north to south of the country, to follow this showcase and get a sense of what awaits us, although many decisions depend on the next 20 days. "The consensus is that the crops are looking very beautiful and healthy this year, a condition considered excellent. We're forecasting a good, high-quality harvest. The most important thing now is to hope for little rain to ensure a good harvest. Abitrigo's initiative is excellent, and expanding the mapping of other regions is crucial," he emphasized.

Bruno Badotti, commercial director of Moinho Régio, emphasized the importance of direct contact with the field and the exchange of information. "My first experience in the rotary was very meaningful because, although we talk to partners by phone, being here and actually seeing the harvest conditions gives us much more information to decide how to act in the coming months. For us mills, the commercial year begins now, in September, with the start of the harvest in Paraná and other regions. Therefore, this data collection and the exchange of experiences with those involved are essential," he stated.

"I grew up hearing about Abitrigo's operations, and now I have the pleasure of participating, representing my family. It was very enriching to connect with mills and producers and understand what they expect from the next harvest. We are in a period of anticipation, and although there is some anxiety leading up to the harvest, it was positive to showcase the culture and traditions of the interior of Rio Grande do Sul and see the structure of the seedbeds, the care taken with traceability and segregation, which are challenges for the mills. Knowing that this work is being done gives us confidence that we will see good results in the future," said Felipe Tondo Pereira, Industrial Director of Orquídea Alimentos.

At the end of the tour, Abitrigo superintendent Eduardo Assêncio gave a positive assessment of the initiative and the harvest. "We exceeded expectations, especially those of those who had never participated, in such an organized tour, rich in information to contribute to the mills. Regarding Rio Grande do Sul wheat, we expect a good harvest, in line with the high technological standards the region has achieved. The climate has been helpful, and technology, such as seeds and management, has visibly advanced. However, we feel a burden due to the economic situation of farmers who, decapitalized due to political and economic factors, face difficulties that weaken the agricultural and wheat sectors. We leave here aware of this challenge, but optimistic about the future," he stated.

During the tour, the group visited experimental fields, rural properties, and industry companies in the cities of Passo Fundo, Não-Me-Toque, Cruz Alta, and Tapera. The program included a visit to Biotrigo's headquarters and stops at companies such as Be8, Cotrijal, Cerealista Roos, and Terraboa Agrícola.

The Abitrigo Tour – Rio Grande do Sul is part of a series of regional meetings promoted by Abitrigo to strengthen technical dialogue between industry and the field, expanding debates on the quality and future of national wheat farming.