Mapa launches first notice for Agricultural Professional Residency

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) launched the first notice of the Agricultural Professional Residency Program, whose objective is to select projects aimed at the technical qualification of students and recent graduates of agricultural and related science courses, at secondary level and higher education, through practical, supervised and guided training.

In total, R$17,1 million will be invested to finance the selected proposals for a period of two years. Proposals can be sent from June 29th to August 17th, 2020. 

The amounts can be used to fund scholarships for residents of secondary-level technical courses, worth R$900, and higher-level courses, worth R$1.200, which will be paid monthly, not exceeding 12 installments. Residents' working hours will be 40 hours per week.

Another possibility is the funding of a scholarship for a mentor teacher, which will correspond to the value of R$200 per mentor. Each teacher must guide between five (minimum) and ten (maximum) residents, therefore, the scholarship can vary from R$1 to R$2.

Projects may also include costs for the participation of residents, supervising professors, technical advisors and occasional collaborators in meetings, workshops, seminars, congresses and the like, as well as current general funding expenses for carrying out the activities. These cannot exceed 20% of the total value of the project presented by the educational institution.

For carrying out activities, resident units are considered to be farms or production units, agribusiness companies, cooperatives, technical assistance companies (national or international), direct and indirect administration and organized civil society.

To assist institutions that wish to participate in the selection, Mapa prepared the Agricultural Professional Residency Program Operations Manual, which presents guidelines and criteria for participation, a roadmap for project development, information regarding the management and evaluation of activities, and others.

Coordinated by the Secretariat of Family Agriculture and Cooperatives of Mapa, through the Department of Community Development, the Agricultural Professional Residency Program is intended to support the training of professionals with the necessary skills to fully work in the areas of agricultural sciences and related areas.

“We need to bring together and strengthen the relationship between the academic universe and the reality of Brazilian agriculture, contributing to the training of professionals capable of responding to the demands posed by different segments of the agricultural production sector. The focus of the program is to provide technical qualifications for students and recent graduates, favoring the insertion of these young professionals into the job market and contributing to the development of Brazilian agriculture”, says the Secretary of Family Agriculture and Cooperatives, Fernando Schwanke.

Qualification of young people

Created by Mapa, the Agricultural Professional Residency Program aims to promote the qualification of young students and recent graduates of agricultural science and related courses, through internship or residency. The public policy is aimed at young people aged between 15 and 29, high school or higher education students and also graduates, as long as the course was completed no more than 12 months ago.

Resident students will carry out practical activities within the functions linked to their respective professional training, under the supervision and monitoring of a qualified technical professional with training in the area of ​​expertise.

In addition to qualifying professionals, the program seeks to develop in students a sense of ethical responsibility, through the exercise of professional activities, directing them towards a civic life and work.

The new policy will promote the improvement of knowledge and skills, through intensive professional training in the service of one or more areas of knowledge, with the aim of specializing future professionals to practice the profession and offer consultancy in the areas of agricultural sciences and similar areas. .

More information by email: programa.residencia@agricultura.gov.br